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T/F - Fire and smoke alarms should be connected to a GFCI protected circuit

User Quartaela
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Final answer:

False, fire and smoke alarms should not typically be connected to a GFCI protected circuit, as it could lead to unintentional tripping and disable important safety devices without notice.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question 'Fire and smoke alarms should be connected to a GFCI protected circuit: True or False' concerns the use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in relation to fire and smoke alarms in residential or commercial buildings. A GFCI device protects against electrical shock by interrupting power when a difference in currents between live/hot and neutral wires is detected, indicating a leakage current to an unintended path. However, fire and smoke alarms should not typically be connected to a GFCI protected circuit because unintentional tripping of the GFCI could disable these critical life-saving devices without notice. Since the key purpose of the GFCI is to protect against shock hazards, it is important in locations where there is a higher risk of mixing water and electricity such as kitchens and bathrooms. In the context of fire and smoke alarm systems, they are best connected to a dedicated circuit without GFCI protection to ensure they remain functional at all times.

User Fersca
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