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Ul GroundFaultProtectiveDevices PDF
Ul GroundFaultProtectiveDevices PDF
01
Understanding Ground Fault
and Leakage Current Protection (continued)
conductors, and are designed to interrupt IDCI (Immersion Detection Circuit
the circuit when leakage current occurs Interrupter) — A component device that
between a conductor and the shield. interrupts the supply circuit to an immersed
Additional information for Leakage-Current appliance. When a conductive liquid enters
Detection and Interruption may be located the appliance and contacts both a live part
under the UL Product Category ELGN. and an internal sensor, the device trips when
EGFPD (Equipment Ground-Fault current flow between the live part and the
Protective Device) — Intended for sensor exceeds the trip current value. The
applications such as fixed electric deicing trip current may be any value below 6 mA
and snow melting equipment, as well as sufficient to detect immersion of the
fixed electric heating equipment for connected appliance. The function of an
pipelines and vessels, in accordance with IDCI is not dependent on the presence of a
Articles 426 and 427 in the NEC. This grounded object. Listed products that
device operates to disconnect the electric contain IDCIs or ALCIs have been investi-
circuit from the source of supply when the gated for installation in applications in
ground-fault current exceeds the ground- accordance with Section 422.41 of the NEC.
fault pick-up level marked on the device, Proven Benefit of Leakage Current
typically 6 mA to 50 mA. Additional and Ground Fault Protection
information for Ground-Fault Protective To help mitigate electrical shock hazards,
GFPE Circuit Breaker Devices may be located under the UL UL has been at the forefront of detector
Product Category FTTE. research, technology and standards
NEC Edition Where GFCI The following types of devices are UL development. Statistics have shown that
devices described in this article have
Component Recognized, and not intended
Protection Was First for general sale or use. They are intended proven to be an effective means to improve
Required for use as factory-assembled components safety in residential occupancies and other
of specific appliances where the suitability electrical installations. Proper application
1968 — Swimming pool underwater of the installation is determined by UL. They and use of these protective devices is
lighting have not been investigated for installation in critical to coordinating required protection
1971 — Outdoor receptacles and near the field, and may or may not satisfy for safe installations.
swimming pools requirements in the NEC.
1975 — Bathroom receptacles and ALCI (Appliance Leakage Current
construction sites Interrupter) — A component device on
1978 — Garage receptacles electrical appliances, ALCIs are similar to
GFCIs, as they are designed to interrupt the
1981 — Spas or hot tubs circuit when a ground fault current exceeds
1984 — Bathrooms of hotel or motel 6 mA. An ALCI is not intended to replace
guest rooms the use of a GFCI device, where GFCI
1987 — Basements, receptacles near protection is required in accordance with
kitchen sinks, and boathouses the NEC.
02 Copyright © material from the 2009 January Issue of The Code Authority: Electrical Connections newsletter.
This material may not reflect changes that have occurred since its original publication.