@morbiuswilters said:
Ground and neutral? I don't think that will usually trip a GFCI. Hot and ground/neutral will, but that will trip a normal breaker anyway. GFCIs are meant to prevent electrocution if the current finds a path to ground other than through neutral.
I had a nice long conversation with an electrician once about this, and from what I understand, that's pretty much right. He also pointed out to me that they won't stop you electrocuting yourself if you manage to insert your body between active and neutral.
@morbiuswilters said:
In the US they are required in bathrooms and kitchens.
In Australia, my understanding is that they're required for all new houses. There was a big TV campaign a few years back pushing people to pay for their installation.
The previous owner of my house was a plumber who believed that since he was "a tradie", he was naturally skilled at all trades - building, wiring, car work, landscaping... we're about to get the roof supports he took out put back in, because it's starting to sag... Anyway, for some reason, turning off my "safety switch" (/GFCI/FID switch) turns off most of the sockets in the house, but leaves the kitchen and bathroom sockets running...