A CLASS A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed to protect people from potentially hazardous ground faults arising from the use of defective appliances or portable tools. It works by comparing the amount of current going to and returning from equipment. A GFCI protects against current leakage anywhere in a branch circuit and thus protects against fires, and destruction of wire insulation. It can prevent electrocution. GFCIs are generally installed where electrical circuits may accidentally come into contact with water.
For purposes of improved safety, outdoor load center installations are becoming much more commonplace. These can subject branch circuit breakers to extreme temperatures which can adversely effect their ability to sense circuit issues and trip times. Hydraulic Magnetic breakers are specifically designed for accurate performance in harsh temperature environments from -40 Deg F to +185 Deg F. Leviton also offers standard Thermal Magnetic circuit breakers for the more common indoor applications.
