Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI)

Hipot and Dielectric Withstand test equipment can present an electrical shock hazard to the test operator. Test equipment manufacturers have included a GROUND FAULT INTERRUPT (GFI) circuit to help prevent the operator from being electrically shocked. A ground fault exists whenever currents i1 and i2 are not equal, as shown in the figure below.

When the current meter A1 and A2 detects the difference (i2-i1=iH) between the value i1 and actual i2 test current over high, the device cuts the power transiently to safely protect the equipment operator.

Because of the many safety agency standards, we can always be a good source of information and support when you have questions about safety test requirements and issues. For quick support, our applications engineers, and sales and service support people are readily available to help you.