Self Test Ground Fault Receptacle with Diagnostic Design
There’s an old expression, when you need to get something done, you often have do it yourself. This certainly applies when you consider the world of a ground fault receptacle. After all, ground fault receptacles rely entirely on the end user to test the functionality of the unit. Unless the unit is tested as advised by the manufacturer, this evaluation is not being done.
When was the last time you pressed the test button on your ground fault receptacle in your facility or at home? How about that busy one in the bathroom that provides safety when using the ever-popular hair dryer or perhaps the GFR that powers the water pump on that backyard swimming pool your kids just cooled off in?

Background
All of today’s GFCI receptacle manufacturers rely entirely on the end user to test the functionality of the unit. End users are required to execute a “test & reset” function to verify that the product is performing correctly. This test should be conducted one time per month at a minimum. Operation of the “test button” provides critical information relating to the functionality of the device and its ability to provide people protection. Despite the once a month requirement, most users do not test their ground fault receptacles.

Self Test Technology
The new Hubbell self-test ground fault receptacle directly addresses this concern. An internally generated simulated ground fault will enable the GFCI to check for proper operation of the unit every 60 seconds. This provision is a major feature that surpasses any existing design on the market. The validation test for GFCI functionality can now be performed automatically. This diagnostic feature literally tests & monitors itself by way of the electronic design. With this feature, the ability to provide people protection can now be verified on a continuous basis. This is a significant contrast when comparing the one time per month recommendation that is suggested today.

Manual Whole System Test
The Hubbell GFCI when tested actually induces a simulated ground fault leakage current to the printed circuit board. This in turn causes the mechanical system to react based on the action of the solenoid. The entire mechanical and electronic GFCI system is reviewed for functionality.

Reverse Wire Safety Feature
The Hubbell GFR will not have power at both the face and downstream if the line and load are reverse wired. Additionally, the unit will not be able to reset under a reversed wiring condition. Typically if the line and load are reversed, there will be power at the face and the end user would assume there is ground fault protection at the point of use.

Surge Withstand
Underwriters Laboratories requires all ground fault receptacles to meet a 6kV, 3kA surge test without compromising the people protection functionality of the unit. If a unit cannot meet this performance requirement, it must shut down and become totally inoperable. Hubbell meets the surge withstand requirement by design without relying on a non-operational lock out mode to meet the test. Hubbell opted to build a more robust device by incorporating a heavy duty Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV) into the product. This MOV was specifi cally designed into the Hubbell GFCI receptacle with the intention of passing the UL 6 kV, 3kA surge immunity test while continuing to provide power and protection to the face and downstream loads.

10,000 Amp Short Circuit Rating
AUTOGUARD was designed to withstand the stringent applications where a potential for high current short circuit conditions exist such as industrial power centers, disconnects and motor centers.

Three provisions for providing protection

• Continuous electronic sensing & testing, utilizing diagnostic software – immediate indication if unit has lost the ability to protect
• Traditional testing mode by manually operating the “test and reset” buttons
• Traditional auto-sensing mode for immediate interruption for a ground fault condition