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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-a-elec-gfci6ma

A GFCI trips when current flowing out and back differs by as little as how much?

0.006 amperes.

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  1. 6 amperes
  2. 0.006 amperes ✔
  3. 60 amperes

Why: A GFCI constantly monitors the current. If the current going out differs from the returning current by as little as 0.006 amperes, it cuts power faster than a blink, before a fatal shock can occur.

Huh, didn't know that: GFCIs work even on two-slot receptacles and are designed to operate before electricity affects your heartbeat.

The dad joke
What did the cloud say to the lightning bolt? 'You're shocking!'
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References

Answer: 0.006 amperes. A GFCI constantly monitors the current. If the current going out differs from the returning current by as little as 0.006 amperes, it cuts power faster than a blink, before a fatal shock can occur.

  1. CPSC Fact Sheet: What Is a GFCI? (Pub. 099) www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/099_0.pdf
    differs by a very small amount (as little as 0.006 amperes) from the returning current, the GFCI interrupts power
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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