Products We Endorse and Use

Eaton Whole House Surge Protector

Products we Endorse and Use. Below is a Double Pole, Plug ON Eaton Surge Protector.

Plug On Surge Protection
Eaton Surge Suppressor

Cutler Hammer CH 40 Circuit Panel

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Breakers


Sure! Arc fault and ground fault combination breakers are like the super multitaskers of your home’s electrical system—they’re designed to catch two different types of electrical problems and shut off the power before something bad happens.

Arc Faults

Think of an arc fault like a mini lightning bolt happening in your wires. It happens when electricity jumps through a gap, like if a wire is damaged or loose. This can cause sparks, and sparks are bad because they can start fires. Arc fault breakers are basically your fire-prevention squad for your wiring.

Ground Faults

A ground fault is when electricity takes a shortcut to the ground instead of staying on its proper path. This usually happens if something goes wrong, like water getting into an outlet or a wire touching something it shouldn’t. Ground faults can be super dangerous because they can cause electric shocks.

Combination Breakers

Now, a combination breaker? It’s like having a device that’s both a smoke detector (for arc faults) and a shock protector (for ground faults) rolled into one. It’s double the safety in a single package, protecting your home from fires and you from getting zapped.

In short, these breakers are all about keeping your home safe from electrical problems that could hurt people or damage property.

 

 

Ground Fault Protection

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), also known as Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) breakers, are electrical safety devices designed to protect people from electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is detected. Here’s an overview of their history:

Early Concept and Development (1960s)

• Invention: GFCIs were developed in the early 1960s by Charles Dalziel, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Dalziel was researching the effects of electricity on the human body and realized the need for a device that could detect leakage currents as small as those that could cause harm.

• Patent: Dalziel patented the first GFCI in 1965. His work established the principles behind detecting ground faults—currents leaking to ground due to insulation failure or unintended contact.

First Commercial Use (1970s)

• GFCIs began to be commercially available in the early 1970s. These early devices were primarily installed in high-risk locations, such as swimming pools, outdoor outlets, and construction sites.

• National Electrical Code (NEC): In 1971, the NEC first required GFCIs for outdoor receptacles on construction sites. This marked the beginning of their integration into safety codes.

Expanded Code Requirements (1970s–1990s)

• Over the next two decades, the NEC gradually expanded the areas where GFCIs were required:

• 1973: Added requirements for GFCIs in bathrooms.

• 1978: Required GFCIs for outdoor receptacles on residential properties.

• 1987: GFCIs became mandatory for receptacles in kitchens near countertops and in unfinished basements.

• 1996: Included wet bar sinks and areas within 6 feet of water sources.

Advancements in Technology (1980s–2000s)

• Integration into Breaker Panels: GFCIs were initially separate devices but were later integrated into circuit breakers to protect entire circuits rather than individual outlets.

• Improved Sensitivity and Durability: Advances in electronics allowed GFCIs to become more sensitive, reliable, and compact, leading to their widespread adoption.

• Self-Testing Models: Modern GFCIs include self-testing features to ensure they remain functional over time.

Modern Applications

• Today, GFCI protection is required by code in virtually all locations where electricity and water are in close proximity, such as garages, crawl spaces, and laundry areas.

• Combination Devices: Dual-function circuit breakers and outlets that combine GFCI with arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) technology are now available, offering enhanced safety against both ground faults and electrical arcs.

Impact

• The widespread adoption of GFCIs has significantly reduced electrical shock incidents and fatalities. Studies estimate that GFCIs have prevented hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries since their introduction.

GFCI technology continues to evolve with improved diagnostics, wireless monitoring, and integration into smart home systems.