Where Are Gfci Outlets Used?

GFCIs are generally installed where electrical circuits may accidentally come into contact with water. They are most often found in kitchens, bath and laundry rooms, or even out-of-doors or in the garage where electric power tools might be used.

Where are GFCI outlets 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.

Do you need GFCI outlets everywhere?

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 bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where water fixtures are not found, regular outlets are fine—and they are still installed in today’s new homes.

Do all outlets in bathroom need to be GFCI?

Bathrooms – All bathroom receptacles should have GFCI outlets installed.Any outlets within six feet of this sink (and the dedicated washing machine outlet) should be equipped with GFCI outlets. Outside – All outlets installed outside of your home should be GFCI outlets.

Where is GFCI located in garage?

The actual verbiage from the NEC states that GFCI outlets be installed in: “Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.”

Can you put a GFCI outlet anywhere?

GFCI outlets should be installed in any potentially wet or damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoors, basements, garages and workshops.

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.

Can you use GFCI anywhere?

You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit.The electrical code also requires GFCIs in unfinished basements, garages, most outdoor receptacles and places where construction activity occurs.

How far from a sink can an outlet be?

3 feet
Every bathroom must have at least one electrical outlet. It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not. If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet.

Where should outlets go in a bathroom?

Outlet Receptacles
You should keep the receptacle at least 6 feet away from the edge of a bathtub or shower and at least 1 foot away from sinks. Avoid positioning a receptacle over the center of the sink, where cords hairdryers and electric shavers might hang down into the basin.

What type of outlets are used in bathrooms?

In most parts of the United States, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets have been required in bathrooms since 1975.

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.

Do garage door outlets need to be GFCI?

Do Door Opener Outlets Need to Be GFCI Protected? Yes, even though it is not readily accessible, a garage door opener outlet must be GFCI protected.

Can I install a non GFCI outlet in my garage?

Our electrician told us that since 2008 you cannot have a non-GFCI outlet in your garage.Non-GFCI outlets are a safety hazard when they are installed in garages, so it is definitely better for them not to allow them in garages, but it does cause quite a bit of inconvenience when it comes to plugging in a refrigerator!

Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor GFCI outlets?

Outdoor electrical outlets differ from indoor outlets because they have watertight covers that protect the outlet even with a cord plugged in.GFCI outlets trip and turn off automatically when there’s a current leakage or short circuit, which helps prevent fires and accidental shocks.

Do porch lights need GFCI?

So, to answer my original question: yes, outdoor lights need to be plugged into GFCI-protected receptacles. On top of this, one GFCI receptacle is required at the front and back of the home, at a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches off the ground. One receptacle is also required on each patio, deck, porch, or balcony.

How do I know if my outdoor outlet is GFCI?

An easy way to tell is by looking on the face of the outlet for the letters “WR”, which stands for weather-resistant. If your outlet is not a weather-resistant GFCI, it should be changed to ensure the best possible protection is being provided.

Does a GFCI outlet protect the whole circuit?

What Is a GFCI Circuit Breaker? GFCI circuit breakers protect the entire circuit. GFCI circuit breakers are simple: By installing one in the service panel (breaker box), it adds GFCI protection to an entire circuit, including the wiring and all devices and appliances connected to the circuit.

What is the difference between a GFI and a GFCI?

Technically, GFCI refers to a breaker that protects an entire circuit. This would be a GFCI breaker on your electric distribution panel and will protect multiple outlets. A GFI is a local Ground Fault Interrupter, it is at the outlet and not on the panel.

Should a washing machine be on a GFCI?

The NEC doesn’t require GFCI protection for clothes washing machines specifically, but it does for “Laundry Areas.”If the answer is “yes”, then you have your answer- the clothes washing machine will be GFCI protected, because all 120-Volt receptacles are to be GFCI protected in laundry areas, per the 2017 NEC.

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.