"Edge" wrote in message
Was looking for a new GFI outlet for the bathroom. Went to the local
big box hardware store. Saw a GFI brand selling for about $7. Saw
another brand, costing about $12 that said it was a "premium" GFI.
Obviously nobody is going to risk their life for a difference of $5.
So what does "premium" mean: Do they give you less false trippings?
Do
they trip faster? Are the internal components in so way more
heavyduty? Bottomline - do "premium" GFIs keep you safer?

The word "premium" might mean nothing - could be a scam like those
large stereo wires which just have more plastic around the wires.

Or it could in fact be higher quality.

They DO make higher quality electrical outlets and switches. These
typically will say 20 Amp, Commercial Grade, Industrial Grade,
Hospital Grade, or for Commercial Use.

The difference is like the door knobs used for a home as opposed to
the door knobs used for a business, school, or government building.
The door knobs used for commercial uses are designed to have thousands
of door openings a day whereas the home models just a few door
openings a day.

And same with switches/outlets. Commercial applications get more daily
switching/plugging-unplugging.

For example here are commercial grade vacuums (used all day long
everyday for hotels/businesses)...
http://www.vacuum-depot.com/commerical_vacuums.asp

And Commercial Grade GFCIs...
http://96.61.63.50/techlib/Hubbell/H..._spec_D603.pdf

http://www.hubbell-canada.com/wiring...d_brochure.pdf