A GFCI having a fault indicator device or signaling device that provides a
continuous audible/visual indication of a failure condition of the GFCI
is disclosed herein. A failure condition may occur when continuous
current flows through the terminals of a trip coil caused by a failed or
damaged component such as a TRIAC or SCR of a GFCI. The failure indicator
is coupled across the trip coil in the trip mechanism thereby allowing
the indicator to detect the current flow. By placing such a visual and/or
audible signaling device across the trip coil terminals, the shorted
TRIAC or SCR provides continuous power to the coil terminals and the
signaling device, even after the coil has burned out, thereby reminding a
user to replace the GFCI receptacle. The signaling device can be
implemented as an LED, neon lamp, buzzer or other device. The signaling
device also can be activated momentarily in normal operating situations
whenever the trip coil of the GFCI detects a ground fault condition or
when a reset button is pressed.