SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/elec-gfci-six-milliamps

A GFCI protects people by tripping when current leaks at about what level?

GFCIs trip on leaks near 6 milliamps.

Start playing free

  1. About 6 amps
  2. About 60 amps
  3. About 6 milliamps ✔

Why: The GFCI compares outgoing and returning current. If even a few milliamps go missing, perhaps through a person, it cuts power in a fraction of a second.

Huh, didn't know that: CPSC says a GFCI constantly monitors the current flowing through a circuit.

The dad joke
Why was the electrician so excited to go shopping with his wife? They were going to the outlet mall.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: About 6 milliamps. The GFCI compares outgoing and returning current. If even a few milliamps go missing, perhaps through a person, it cuts power in a fraction of a second.

  1. CPSC consumer safety document www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/099_0.pdf
    as little as 0.006 amperes
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Trades & ShopGFCIs address shock hazards. What do AFCIs address?Trades & ShopOn a construction site, what may OSHA accept instead of GFCIs to protect workers?Trades & ShopAt a minimum, how often should you test a GFCI?

That's stuff everyone should know.