GFI

[Terry Clayton]

I find more GFCI outlets fail due to there inability to retain the testing device securely within the outlet.

[John Allingham]

Originally Posted by btreacy

Do GFI's have an operational life span? Being somewhat mechanical maybe they wear out.

Hi Bruce
Up here you're lucky to get 7 years out of an exterior GFI. They rarely get used but the cold takes its toll.
The bathroom GFIs just keep on tickin.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Originally Posted by growden

There are two types of GFCIs that can be installed, “GFCI circuit breakers” and “GFCI receptacles”. While many people prefer to use GFCI receptacles inside the house and circuit breaker types for the outside power. The two main disadvantages of GFCI circuit breakers over receptacles can be cost and inconvenience (resetting), but GFCI circuit breakers will typically outlast GFCI receptacle.

And while one of the common complaints concerning a GFCI receptacle is their short life span. Even though some can last a very long time, others just a few years, and some can fail shortly after installation. Typically using a higher grade GFCI receptacle will give a longer life span; look for specification grade, commercial grade, and hospital grade. These are much higher quality units for just a few dollars more.

Can you point me to where you get that information. In regards to the GFCI Circuit Breakers outlasting a GFCI Receptacle. Typlically the circuitry is the same just configured differently. Misuse and potential damage from end users maybe but shorter lifespan based on what study?