ABYC Marine Electrical Practice Exam

At what current level does the ELCI typically trip?

1. 15 miliamps

2. 30 miliamps

3. 50 miliamps

4. 10 miliamps

The correct answer is: 30 miliamps

The ELCI (Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter) is designed to enhance safety on boats by detecting ground faults that could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. It typically trips at a current level of 30 milliAmps. This threshold has been established as an effective level for providing protection to individuals against electric shock, striking a balance between safety and minimizing nuisance tripping. The choice of 30 milliAmps is significant in that it's low enough to prevent serious injury in the event of a ground fault while still able to handle normal electrical load conditions that might temporarily create minor leakage currents. Therefore, using a 30 milliAmp trip level is compliant with safety standards in marine environments, where wet and potentially hazardous conditions could increase the risk of electrical shock. Understanding that the ELCI trip level is set at this specific current level is crucial for marine electrical safety practices, helping ensure that electrical systems are not only functional but also safe for individuals operating or working on boats.