Hi Ray:
You asked:
> I'm curious if anyone knows why Europe or other countries have not
> required GFI protection.
GFCI's are known as RCCB (Residual Current Circuit
Breaker) or ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) in
Europe.
The RCCB/ELCB is built into circuit breakers rather
than in outlets as in North America. Its a combination
overcurrent and GFCI.
The RCCB/ELCB is all-magnetic rather than electronic.
It requires 20 mA or more to operate. The North American
electronic type built into an outlet requires only 5 mA
to operate.
Euro regulations are similar to North American regulations.
Circuits (not just outlets) in bathrooms, kitchens, and
outdoors must be protected by a RCCB/ELCB. Older
installations may not have a RCCB/ELCB, but newer
installations do. The only way you can tell is by looking
at the individual breakers in the breaker box. And then
it is difficult to determine which are straight breakers
and which are breakers with RCCB/ELCB.
Best regards,
Rich
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Richard Nute Quality Department
Hewlett-Packard Company Product Regulations Group
San Diego Division (SDD) Tel : 619 655 3329
16399 West Bernardo Drive FAX : 619 655 4979
San Diego, California 92127 e-mail: ri...@sdd.hp.com
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