On 2/10/2016 2:34 AM, Bob wrote:
Hello,

Do the typical GFCI wall outlets also serve as an (additional)
circuit breaker in that they will "also" normally trip
if the current draw exceeds the typical 15 amps ?

No. They work to simply ensure all the current going "out"
on the hot lead "returns" on the neutral lead. If there is
an imbalance, then this suggests some current is "leaking"
through an unintended pathway (e.g., through something that
should be an insulator or an unintended connection -- like
a *body*).

The circuit is designed to notice small *imbalances*, not
the "sizes" of the actual "out" and "return" currents.

A circuit breaker actually looks at the magnitude (size) of
the current flowing through the hot lead and opens (trips)
when it exceeds a threshold. It doesn't care *where* that
current is going or how it is "returning". It will gladly
allow current to flow through faulty insulation, warm bodies,
etc. in addition to the "intended" load(s).