What is a GFCI Circuit Breaker?

There are many different types of GE circuit breakers. One type is known as a GFCI or GFI, which stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. These breakers measure the difference between the current running through the neutral wire and the live wire. When a difference is detected beyond a certain tolerance, the GE circuit breaker trips, cutting off the power. The GFCI circuit breaker does this to prevent electric current from leaking to ground through the body of an appliance or through the grounding wire when used. If there is an electrical leakage to the body of a toaster, television or other electrical appliance, people can receive fatal shocks or an electrical fire can result. The GFCI circuit breaker is a safety measure often used in conjunction with GFCI electrical outlets, but a GE GFCI circuit breaker can be used as a standalone.