What happens if there is no 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 GFCI required for outdoor?
Outdoor electrical outlets differ from indoor outlets because they have watertight covers that protect the outlet even with a cord plugged in. Plus, the National Electrical Code requires all outdoor outlets to be GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter outlets).
What places do not require GFCI?
GFCI protection is not required for receptacles that are not readily accessible, such as a ceiling-mounted receptacle for a garage door opener. Nor are they required for a receptacle on a dedicated branch circuit located and identified for a cord-and-plug-connected appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer.
Where are the mandatory locations for GFCI outlets located?
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.
Are GFCI outlets required?
Where GFCIs Are 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 all houses have GFCI outlets?
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.
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.
Where must a GFCI receptacle be installed in a residence?
While not strictly required, the electrical code recommends that GFCI outlets be installed on receptacles that are near either concrete or metal surfaces that may be exposed to water. This would include any receptacles that are in a basement, garage, outside or that are near a swimming pool or hot tub.
How much does it cost to install a GFCI outlet?
Replacing a Standard Outlet Receptacle with a GFCI
If the job involves running cable and adding a new outlet location, expect to pay from $200 to $250. This project, too, is well within the reach of a homeowner armed with the right information. Installing a GFCI outlet yourself will cost $15 to $25.
What is code for GFCI outlets?
GFCI protection is required on dwelling unit outdoor outlets* supplied by single‐phase branch circuits rated 150‐volts or less to ground, and 50‐amperes or less. NEC 210.8(F) is only applicable to readily accessible outdoor equipment outlets.
What is the difference between a GFCI and a 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 does OSHA require GFCI devices?
OSHA requires GFCIs on construction sites for all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the structure and are in use by employees. This requirement is found in 1926.404(b)(1).
What is the OSHA standard for GFCI?
OSHA 1910.399 defines a ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, as “a device whose function is to interrupt the electric circuit to load when a fault current to ground exceeds some predetermined value, that is less than that required to operate the over-current protective device of the supply circuit.”
When should you not use a GFCI?
To avoid nuisance tripping, a GFCI should not supply:
- Circuits longer than 100 feet.
- Fluorescent or other types of electric-discharge lighting fixtures.
- Permanently installed electric motors.
Is a GFCI required for extension cord?
OSHA and the NEC require that any extension cords, and cord- and plug-connected equipment used to construct, maintain, repair, and demolish (including alterations and painting), is required to have GFCI protection, or the assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGC).
Can a surge protector be plugged into a GFCI outlet?
Can I use a surge protector with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet? No. Incompatible electronics within the GFCI and the surge protector can cause either to trip. GFCI outlets are placed in potentially wet locations such as sinks, bathrooms and garages.
Can an extension cord be used as permanent wiring?
Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact.
