The NEC requires GFCIs on all exterior and bathroom receptacles (another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops. In laundry rooms and utility rooms, GFCIs should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks, washing machines, and water heaters.
Are GFCIs required?
GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.
Do I really need a GFCI?
GFCIs are required by the National Electric Code (NEC) in all kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, garages, and outdoor receptacle locations. Outdoor outlets also require special boxes and covers. In addition, outdoor receptacles must be equipped with a weatherproof cover approved for damp areas.
Are GFCIs required in kitchens?
Kitchens: All receptacles serving countertop areas and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must have GFCI protection. Also, the receptacle supplying a dishwasher should be GFCI-protected.
Where are GFCIs required?
The NEC mandates GFCI protection in many areas of the home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and anything within six feet of a sink or water source. While that may seem like a lot, the entirety of a home is not covered.
When did GFCI become mandatory?
GFCI receptacles were required in houses starting in 1971. Originally they were only required at the exterior of the house and by swimming pool equipment. Over the years, GFCI receptacles have been required in more locations such as garages, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
Do all garage outlets need to be GFCI?
Yes, all garage outlets must be GFCI-protected-no exceptions. Since 2008, GFCI outlets have been required for all 125-volt, single-phase, 15 and 20-amp outlets in the garage. In fact, both the NEC (National Electric Code) and the IRC (International Residential Code) require this.
What happens if you don’t have a GFCI?
Without the GFCI outlet, if something were to happen and an appliance was plugged in and fell into water, the electricity would travel through the water and could cause a deadly shock.
Is it OK to remove a GFCI outlet?
Yes, it can be done. The way it currently is: On the GFCI, power comes into the line terminals. There are two load terminals which let you use the GFCI’s protection on downstream outlets.
Can you replace a regular outlet with a GFCI?
You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit. While it’s common to find GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, there are GFCI outlet requirements.
Does a dishwasher need a GFCI outlet?
GFCI protection is not required for receptacles serving appliances like dishwashers, or convenience receptacles that do not supply countertop surfaces. Receptacles installed within 6 ft of the outside edge of a wet bar sink must also be GFCI-protected [210.8(A)(7)].
Does a refrigerator need a GFCI?
Residential Kitchen
In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There’s no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.
Do laundry rooms require GFCI?
The NEC requires GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection for all standard receptacles serving laundry areas. This includes the 20-amp designated receptacle for the washer (and gas dryer, as applicable) and any general-use receptacles. GFCI protection is not required for a 30-amp electric dryer receptacle.
Does a freezer need a GFCI?
A. That “protector outlet” you’re referring to is a GFCI, or “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” receptacle, and GFCI’s are required by building code in garages, kitchens, bathrooms, and on the exterior of new homes.So freezers and refrigerators should never be plugged into GFCI’s.
Do 240v outlets need GFCI?
Answer: The 240 V circuit must be protected as well. Installing a GFCI designed for a 120 V circuit in a panel that also has a 240 V circuit will not provide ground-fault protection to the 240 V circuit.
When did GFCI become mandatory in Canada?
1971
Why GFCI is required
Starting 1971, it was mandatory in Canada that all areas where water and electricity are close, must be fitted with GFCI.
Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?
GFCI vs GFI. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.
Where are GFCI breakers required 2020?
The 2020 NEC is very clear that GFCI protection is only required for 125?volt, 15? and 20?ampere receptacles in areas having an equipotential plane, in outdoor locations, in damp or wet locations, or in dirt confinement areas for livestock.
How much does it cost to install a GFCI outlet?
The national average materials cost to install a gfci outlet is $19.71 per receptacle, with a range between $17.68 to $21.74. The total price for labor and materials per receptacle is $154.04, coming in between $140.26 to $167.83.
Why do garages need GFCI outlets?
All garage outlets must be GFCI. Ground-fault circuit interrupters protect users against shock by cutting off the power when they sense a short.GFCI outlets in your garage can save you from electrical failures and shock. It’s important to install GFCI outlets so that you stay safe.
Can Romex be exposed in a garage?
No, you cannot expose Romex wires or non-metallic sheath wires in the detached garage or anywhere. Because it’s not safe to expose it on the outside. Besides, it goes against the National Electrical Code or NEC.
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