The receptacle will need to be labeled “no equipment ground” to alert users the three-prong outlet is not grounded. It is essential to label the GFCI outlet so people know that the outlet lacks ground.

Do GFCI outlets need labeling?

Outlets protected by an upline GFCI require a GFCI Protected marking. Several stickers come with every GFCI device. You will never see a Code requirement for a GFCI receptacle. You can satisfy all Code requirements with GFCI+breaker combo devices, or plain GFCI (deadfront) devices.

How do I label an ungrounded outlet?





Ungrounded GFCI-protected receptacles should be identified with labels that come with the new receptacles that state: “No Equipment Ground.” Replace three-slot receptacles with two-slot receptacles.

Does GFCI have to be grounded?

In short, yes. If your circuit doesn’t have a ground wire, you can still install a GFCI outlet for protection. GFCI outlets without a ground wire are legal and work; however, choosing to install GFCI outlets without a ground wire does come with some disadvantages.

What does no equipment ground label mean?

If you just replace one non-grounded receptacle with a GFCI then it must be marked “No equipment ground”. This can be found in the NEC Article 406.4(D)(2). It is used as a means to install grounded receptacles on a non-grounded circuit and not have to rewire an entire dwelling.

When did GFCI outlets become code?

The NEC -1975 introduced indoor GFCI requirements for use in dwelling-unit bathrooms. Countertop receptacles near the kitchen sink have been required to be GFCI-protected since 1987; just how close those receptacles have to be near the sink have changed over time.

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.

Are ungrounded outlets up to code?

Existing ungrounded two-prong receptacle outlets are allowed to remain in place by the National Electrical Code [NEC 406.4(D)(2)], and they can also be replaced with another two-prong receptacle at locations where a ground connection does not exist, if you want.

Are ungrounded outlets safe?

While they may have seemed harmless so far, ungrounded outlets can drastically increase personal and property risks. Electrical fires can be prevented with grounded outlets, as ungrounded ones can spew sparks when electricity misfires, damaging items nearby or even causing a major flare-up.

Should I buying a house with ungrounded outlets?

Homes with ungrounded wiring can be dangerous. Electrical wiring without a ground wire doesn’t meet current safety standards and can lead to a higher risk of electrical shock or fire.

Are ungrounded GFCI safe?



GFCI stands for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter”. You’ve no doubt seen these before at bathrooms or kitchens, and you can read more about these on a previous post here. These outlets are considered safe to install on an un-grounded circuit, and replaces those inconvenient 2 prong outlets.

What can I do with ungrounded outlets?

You can fix ungrounded outlets by rewiring the electrical circuit or installing GFCI protection at the outlet or circuit breaker. Rewiring is the only option that will ground the outlet safely.

What happens if an outlet is not grounded?

Without the ground present, problems with your outlet may cause arcing, sparks, and electrical charge that can spawn fire along walls or on nearby furniture and fixtures. Health hazard. Ungrounded outlets pose real risk of shock to people operating the electronics and appliances plugged into the outlet.

Are GFCI mandatory?



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.

Where are you required to have GFCI outlets?

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 outdoor outlets need to be GFCI?

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 is the difference between a GFI and a GFCI?

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.

Do washers need GFCI?



There is no specific requirement in the NEC for the washing machine itself to have GFCI protection. Section 210.52(F) requires a receptacle outlet to be installed for the laundry area and it must be supplied by a 20-ampere branch circuit in accordance with 210.11(C)(2).

Does dishwasher need GFCI?

Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected. Code Change Summary: A new subsection was added regarding dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers. Now, outlets that supply dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers must have GFCI protection.

Does refrigerator require GFCI?

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.

Does a microwave need to be on a GFCI?

IMO, the ’17 Code clarified this situation. In 210.8(A) GFCI is required for kitchen receptacles that are installed to serve the counter-top surfaces.