I Googled it.
Quote:
|
Ground Fault Circuit Interupter device protects us from receiving electric shocks from faults in the electrical devices we use in our home. It works by comparing the input current on the hot side to the output current on the neutral side. If there's the slightest difference in current, on the order of a few milliamps, then there is current leaking out somewhere, possibly through somebody's body. To protect us in this situation, the device very quickly cuts off the power supply to the leaking device, within 20-30 milliseconds, greatly reducing any possible human tissue damage from errant current.
|
So it doesn't trip to protect against fires from excessive current use, but instead trips if electricity leakage occurs to protect against electrocution.
It seems excessive considering how wimpy our 120v AC is in the States.