Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Electric Shock From Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Abstract

Many Electrical Wiring Systems Include Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (Gfci) As Protective Elements. The Application Is For Avoidance Of Electric Shock Injuries To A Person In The Event That Their Body Becomes Part Of An Electrical Circuit Path From A Live Wire And Ground. The Theory Behind The Device Is That If There Is A Difference In Electrical Current Flowing Through The Live (120 Volt Ac) Wire And The Neutral Wire, Then The Difference Current Is Flowing To Ground And Is Potentially Hazardous To A Person. Functionally, The Gfci Should Automatically Open The Electrical Circuit Above A Certain Ground Current Value. This Paper Explores How The Circuit May Fail To Provide The Protection For Which It Is Intended, And Result In An Electric Shock.