International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 05 Issue: 10 | Oct 2018 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2018, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 859
REVIEW AND ANALYSE OF GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERUPTER
A. Mohammed Asif
1
, V. Pavithra
2
, R. Preethi
3
, K. Boopathi Raja
4
1,2,3
Student/Department of ECE, SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, India.
4
Assistant Professor/Department of ECE, SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, India.
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Abstract - As manufacturers find more applications for adjustable speed drives in household appliances, ground fault circuit
interrupter compatibility becomes crucial. As compared to industrial applications, the GFCI thresholds for residential
applications are much lower. The experimental frequency response of a commonly-used GFCI breaker is compared to the
common-mode current of a commercially available. Thus the input filter needs to be changed to reduce capacitance to
earth.It describes the functional principles of Ground Fault Circuit Interupter and relates their performance to effects of
electric current on the human body. In this, the history, research and testing, installation practices, fire protection aspects,
types, manufacturers and costs of are included
KEYWORDS: Adjustable speed drive, ground fault circuit interrupter, electromagnetic compatibility.
1. INTRODUCTION
A second challenge is ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) compatibility. While permanently installed HVAC
systems do not require GFCI protection, hot tubs and spas do require GFCIs for personnel safety, as do cord-connected
appliances used in wet location. The US standard for GFCI breakersonly specifies performance at 60 Hz. A typical breaker,
will respond to ground current at other frequencies in some undefined manner. Thus the, experimental determination of
GFCI frequency response is discussed.In Experimental determination of the ground current in a typical ASD is discussed
and compared to the GFCI. Finally, a mitigation method is described. It is to ensure that the ASD does not inadvertently
trip the GFCI. Previously, GFCI breakers have concern is ground currents at frequencies related to either the input rectifier
(harmonics of the line frequency, 60 Hz) or the output bridge (harmonics of the pulse width modulation (PWM) frequency,
10 kHz). Although GFCI compatibility is related to the issues that occur in ground fault detection of high-resistance ground
systems, the problems in a residential application are distinct.
2. GFCI
A ground fault circuit interrupter is a type of circuit breaker which shuts off electric power when it senses an
imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current. The main purpose is to protect people from an electric shock
caused when some of the current travels through a person's body due to an electrical fault such as a short circuit,
insulation failure, or equipment malfunction. Standard circuit breakers shut off power when the current is too high, like
10, 15, or 20 amps, but a mere 0.030 amps through a body can cause paralysis of skeletal muscles and stop the human
heart. The GFCI breaks the circuit when it detects an imbalance of only 0.005 amps. A circuit breaker protects the house
wires and receptacles from overheating and possible fire. It protects people and is often found in bathrooms or kitchens
where electrical devices are used and people's bare flesh may be in contact with the floor or metal which provide an
alternate path for current to travel in the case of an electrical fault.A GFCI can also prevent fires from short circuits and
other electrical faults that don't involve humans such as a low current short where the current never reaches the trigger
point for a circuit breaker.
3. HOW DOES A GFCI WORK?
GFCI are devices that protect against injury, shock and electrocution hazards. A GFCI will trip in a fraction of a second
at currents well below those that are considered dangerous. GFCls have contributed to a reduction in the number of deaths
due to electric shock. A GFCI is NOT a substitute for a fuse or circuit breaker as these devices are still required to protect
equipment and property from overloads or short circuits that can result in fire or other damage. A GFCI has a test button
that should be pressed prior to using the equipment. This test button checks the functionality and proves it is in perfect
working condition because it creates the imbalance that proves it's working. GFCI do not require a ground to work. Notice
the sensing coil senses the imbalance between neutral and the conductor(s). Always remember the GFCI is to be used at
the power source because you want the cord going from the piece of equipment to the power source protected. It would be
a shame using a GFCI on the equipment side only to leave the cord leading to the power source was unprotected and
compromised. Cords tend to be the ones that are compromised and are found to be the leader in the cause of electrical
faults.
a. Must trip between 4 to 5mA for personnel protection.
b. Trip time shall be less than 25ms.
c. Must have open neutral protection.
d. Must withstand overload current 5 times its rated current.