Service Life of GFI's and Circuit Breakers?

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1

Originally Posted By: wengelking
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One of my sub contractors was told the following from an electrician:


GFI’s need to be replaced after three (3) trips.


If a circuit breaker EVER trips, it should be replaced.


I just don't believe it.

If that were true, I'd be using up 1/3 of the life every GFI I ever came across during my inspections. What about the built in test button, would using that also shorten it's life.

To replace a circuit breaker every time it trips seems just plain STUPID to me. If that were true, why wouldn't we still be using fuses?

I would appreciate any firm information, from sources like UL or manufactures, if anyone has something.

Thanks
Walter

2

Originally Posted By: vsantos
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Did the electrician also offer to replace said GFCI’s and circuits for a reasonable fee? icon_lol.gif

3

Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
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There is a lot of myth about breakers and GFCIs. The fact is one “trip” might damage the device, particularly if it is a dead short with a large AFC, but it is not anything close to a certainty.

4

Originally Posted By: cthompson
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I had a GFI outlet test ok at the down side two outlets. When I tested the GCI outlet itself, it would not trip?


Still confused as to why the outlets connected to it tripped it but it did not trip itself when tested?

CD

5

Originally Posted By: Robert Gallahorn
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Line - Load reversed

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It’s all in the wording