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Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are used for protection from an electrical ground fault. They will also protect against fires and overheating. A GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to turn off electric power in the event of a ground fault.
Are GFCI outlets really necessary?
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.
How important is GFCI outlets installed in your home?
A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is an important device for electrical safety in your home. Where circuit breakers are designed to protect the electrical system from damage when there’s a surge, a GFCI outlet is designed to protect people from high voltage shocks.
What is the purpose of using GFCI outlets?
The ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within as little as 1/40 of a second.
Do I need GFCI outlets in kitchen?
It’s required by the NEC (National Electrical Code) that all 15 amp, 20 amp and 125 volt outlets within kitchen surface space be GFCI outlets. If you don’t have these kinds of outlets in your kitchen, we can help you upgrade them.
Does a refrigerator need a GFCI?
A refrigerator shouldn’t be plugged into a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets are used in areas of the home with water or moisture. These include bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. This type of outlet is important because it reduces the risk of electrocution and electrical fires.
Are GFCI outlets required in older homes?
Older homes are not required to have GFCI outlets unless the wiring is being updated, but it’s a good idea to install them anyway. The NEC requires GFCIs on all exterior and bathroom receptacles (another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops.
Do I need GFCI outlets if I have a GFCI breaker?
You do not need both a GFCI outlet and a GFCI circuit breaker on the same circuit. GFCI circuit breakers are good installation options for new branch circuits, but they may not work properly on older, multiwire systems.
What is the difference between a GFI and a GFCI?
There is actually no difference at all. A common conversation when discussing receptacles may be referring to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) as simply a ground fault interrupter (GFI). They are generally the exact same thing.
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.
Can GFCI outlets protect entire circuit?
The GFCI circuit breaker controls an entire circuit, and is installed as a replacement for a circuit breaker on your home’s main circuit board. Rather than install multiple GFCI outlets, one GFCI circuit breaker can protect the entire circuit.
Does a dishwasher need GFCI protection?
Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected.
Do garbage disposals need GFCI?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not require a garbage disposal to have GFCI protection. GFCI protection for this appliance is optional. Garbage disposals should be either hardwired or connected to an outlet through a grounded electrical outlet.
Does a microwave need a GFCI?
A GFI or GFCI outlet is needed if the microwave is located less than 6 feet from a water source such as the edge of the sink, toilet, shower, etc. It is also needed if located outdoors, garages, kitchen counter tops, near laundry, utility sinks, wet bar sinks and near swimming pools.
Should a freezer be plugged into a GFCI outlet?
However, GFCI’s are prone to a phenomenon called “phantom tripping,” meaning that they sometimes activate -shutting power off to the circuit – under normal, everyday voltage fluctuations. So freezers and refrigerators should never be plugged into GFCI’s.
Can a refrigerator share an outlet with a TV?
Yes, that is not an overload, unless the outlet is on an UPS or a line voltage stabilizer that is too small. Look at the fridge and tv labels to check the AMPS or WATTS it uses; they should probably be less than 8 amps added together, or 1000 watts or less together.
Is a GFCI required for a washing machine?
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).
Why are GFCI outlets often used in kitchens and bathrooms?
Adding ground fault protection to existing circuits makes sense in any bathroom or kitchen. Installing a feed through GFCI outlet is the most common for kitchen and bath areas with more than one outlet. A feed through GFCI allows ground fault protection to all of the receptacles beyond the outlet in the same circuit.
When did GFCI become required in kitchen?
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.
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.
