Final answer:
The student asked about the inspection of ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and circuit breakers by home inspectors. GFCIs are safety devices that interrupt the circuit if leakage current exceeds a safe value, preventing electric shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The home inspector is required to inspect ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and circuit breakers that are observed and deemed to be GFCIs. A GFCI is a crucial safety device commonly found in areas with potential water exposure, such as kitchens and bathrooms, that operates based on the principles of electromagnetic induction. These devices continuously compare the currents in the live/hot and neutral wires.
A discrepancy between these currents typically indicates that some current, known as leakage current, is returning to the voltage source through a path other than the neutral wire. Such a path could present a shock hazard. GFCIs are designed to interrupt the circuit if the leakage current is greater than 5 mA, which is considered the maximum harmless shock threshold. The device trips, or disconnects, the circuit to prevent harm, even if the leakage current reaches earth through an intact ground wire, prompting necessary repairs.