Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or a GFCI is a switch designed to protect people from electrical shocks and electrocution. The GFCI monitors the current flow into and out of an appliance or circuit and if the current is not equal, the GFCI will switch or trip in milliseconds. After a trip the GFCI needs to be reset by pushing the "reset" button on the GFCI. GFIC's are required in homes in the bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
A GFCI can come in wither manual reset mode or automatic reset models. In this discussion regarding auto vs. manual reset is not after a GFCI trips due to a fault, but when the GFCI's circuit loses power or is initially powered up or plugged in. GFCI's in homes that are wired into the wall are all AUTO reset GFCI's. The GFCI after a power outage will reset itself with an electrical coil so that it is "ready" to go. An auto reset GFCI should always be used for indoor use when the load is not a dangerous.
A manual reset GFCI is usually used for outdoor power equipment or on the job site electrical tools and applications.The manual reset GFCI will need to be "reset" when the GFCI is plugged in or when power is applied to the curcuit. The GFCI will trip when power is removed from the circuit or unplugged. The GFCI will also trip when a fault is detected. In both cases the GFCI will need to be manually reset. Most of the GFCI's that we sell are manual reset GFCI's.
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