How a GFCI Works, OR "The GFCI that connects Mrs. Brown's Bathroom to Mr. Brown's Basement"

[@123QuoFan]

Mrs Brown appreciates the video!

[@Mr.BrownsBasement]

Credit where credit due. Thank Mrs. Brown for volunteering her GFCI.

[@hestheMaster]

I have one just like this but has an on/off switch and use it several times a day to light a bathroom light. It is 20 years old and has reached it's lifespan. If you have any GFCI outlet that is this old it should be replaced.

[@Mr.BrownsBasement]

You’re right. After 20 years a GFCI cannot be trusted to still trip reliably at 4 or 5mA every time, or even trip at all. It should be taken on one last journey: To e-waste.

[@ppdan]

1:55 The test switch mechanicaly tests the device??? No real functionality test of the GFCI is done? RCDs/GFCIs here (EU) have a test function that actually creates a residual current to test the device (button + resistor).

[@Mr.BrownsBasement]

Yes, I believe that's how our GFCI's work too. At 2:00 you can see the contacts under the TEST switch that are closed when the TEST button is depressed.