WeMo® Wi-Fi Enabled Plug-in Switch

Common Support Questions

What does the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI/GFEP) do that the Circuit Breaker doesn't?

A GFCI/GFEP (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter / Ground Fault Equipment Protection) works differently than a circuit breaker by specifically detecting a small imbalance in electrical current between the hot and neutral wires, which indicates a potential ground fault (like a person touching a live wire), and instantly shutting off the power to prevent shock, while a circuit breaker only trips when there's a significant overload in current flow on the circuit, like a short circuit or too many appliances plugged in.

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Why does a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) fail?

GFCI can fail for various reasons, such as wear and tear, moisture, corrosion, power surges, faulty wiring, or improper installation. Some of these causes can be prevented by regular inspection and maintenance, while others may require professional assistance. It is important to note that GFCI devices (ex. thermostat, breakers, outlets) should be tested regularly as these do wear out over time.

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Will a circuit breaker protect against a power surge?

No, a circuit breaker will NOT protect against a power surge; a circuit breakers primary function is to protect against excessive current flow (overload), while a surge protector is specifically designed to handle voltage spikes, which are what power surges are considered to be.

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