The 2014 National Electric Code has mandated Ground Fault and Arc Fault circuit protection on many 15 & 20 amp kitchen and laundry circuits. General Electric’s Dual Function Circuit Interrupter (DFCI) offers both Ground Fault and Combination Arc Fault (GFCI & AFCI) protection in a simple to apply and cost-effective solution.
Dual function circuit interrupters utilize both GFCI and AFCI detection technology.
- GFCI protection guards against ground faults, and are an effective means of preventing electrical shocks. GFCI circuit breakers accomplish this by detecting when current is “leaking” somewhere outside its intended path. If your body provides the path to ground for this “leakage” you could be burned, shocked or even electrocuted.
- AFCI protection guards against damage or fires which can result from arcing and sparking that can arise from deteriorated wires, poor connections and breaches in wire insulation. With more than 67,000 home fires claiming more than 485 lives and injuring 2,300 victims annually, the added safety provided by AFCI protection is an important step forward in reducing this risk.
To see the status, by state, of the adoption of 2014 edition of National Electrical Code**, visit http://www.electricalcodecoalition.org/state-adoptions.
Features
The GE DFCI has important features for assisting you or your electrician in troubleshooting a trip. Should the DFCI trip, the yellow LED will blink to indicate the last known trip condition. Here is how it works:
Turn the DFCI to the “ON” position. Observe LED indications and compare that to the chart below.
Last Known Trip Condition
LED indications will appear for 5 seconds each time the DFCI is turned on for up to 30 days.
Note: Breakers must be energized to reset or turn on.
| LED Indicators | Last Known Trip Condition | |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow 1 | Yellow 2 | |
| OFF | OFF | Overcurrent |
| ON | OFF | Arc Fault or PTT Passed |
| ON | ON | Arc Fault to Ground |
| ON | ON | Ground to Neutral |
Clearing the Last Known Trip Condition
The last known trip condition can be cleared by the following process:
- Turn the DFCI to the “OFF” position.
- Press and hold the Push-To-Test (PTT) button.
- Turn the DFCI to the “ON” position.
- Release the PTT button after 3 seconds.
Self-test Feature
The DFCI has a self-test feature that meets a June 2015 requirement from UL on all ground fault circuit breakers. This self test feature enables the DFCI to automatically and continuously test itself to ensure that it is working properly. If it is detected that the device has been compromised, the device trips itself in a lockout mode. Once in the lockout mode the breaker cannot be reset and must be replaced. This effort was system guarantees that only the best protection is given at all times.
Specifications
- 15A or 20A
- Plug-In
- 10kAIC or 22kAIC
- 120VAC, 60 Hz
- Wire Range #14-8 AWG