Question

A GFI may trip just because the live/hot and neutral wires connected to it are significantly different in length. Explain why.

a) Length difference causes a phase shift.

b) Length difference creates inductive reactance.

c) Length difference induces eddy currents.

d) Length difference creates a potential difference.

Answer 1

A GFI may trip if the live/hot and neutral wires connected to it are significantly different in length. This difference in length causes a difference in the induced electromotive forces (emfs) in the coil of the GFI, indicating a possible leakage current.

Step-by-step explanation:

A Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) may trip just because the live/hot and neutral wires connected to it are significantly different in length. When the lengths of the wires are different, the currents in the live/hot and neutral wires may not be equal, causing a difference in the induced electromotive forces (emfs) in the coil of the GFI.

This difference in emfs can trigger the GFI to trip as it indicates that there might be a leakage current, where some of the current is returning through a path other than the neutral wire. This leakage current can pose a safety hazard and the GFI is designed to interrupt the circuit in such cases.