What is the tripping requirement for a ground-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle?

The correct answer of 6 mA or higher for the tripping requirement of a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) receptacle aligns with established safety standards that are designed to protect against electric shock hazards. GFCI devices are engineered to detect ground faults, which occur when there is an unintended path between the source of current and a grounded surface.

When the leakage current exceeds the specified threshold—in this case, 6 mA—the GFCI automatically interrupts the flow of electricity within a fraction of a second. This swift action significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or fatality due to electric shock. The standard of 6 mA is set as a balance that provides effective protection while minimizing false tripping in typical use scenarios.

Options with lower thresholds, such as 2 mA or 4 mA, do not readily align with current safety standards, which recognize that a higher trip current is essential to distinguish actual fault conditions from normal operational variances in household and similar electrical devices. Conversely, options above 6 mA, like 8 mA, may not provide the necessary level of protection mandated in many safety guidelines. Therefore, 6 mA represents the recognized standard that ensures both safety and