Replacing outlets to make 'em GFCI?

In my kitchen, I have several outlets. They are not GFCI, and the home inspector said I need to make them so.

Is it as simple as buying replacement outlets that are GFCI rated and replacing them?

Chris

 

It could be. If the receptacles are not on a s plit circuit then it is simple. It could also be that one recetpacle could be enough to protect them all.
If the receptacle has the gold tab intact on the hot side then you can simply replace them with gfci.

 

The only outlets required to be gfci are the outlets that serve the counter-top appliances. You do not need them for your fridge or garbage disposal. They can be but isnt necessary and I advise against it as a nuisance trip while you are away on a trip or something will not be pleasant when you get home. I would see if you can determine if all the countertop receptacles are on the same circuit (good chance they are and good chance there not) if so then one gfci can be used to protect them all and save on your pocket book. Otherwise you can install a gfci circuit breaker or breakers in the panel to protect the kitchen circuits. Thing I dont like about this method is if it trips you have to go to the panel to reset it to restore power. If your only talking four or five outlets I would just replace them with gfci's and pigtail to the hot and neutral "line terminals" so they only protect themselves, making them easy to reset if they trip. Joed's comments are also very good points to determine before you replace the outlets.

 

The home inspector is out of his league telling you what you have to do.

Depending on the age of the house, no GFCI receptacles were required when the house was built. If the kitchen was remodeled, then it depends on the date of the remodel and how extensive the remodel was.

Are you buying this house? If you are buying this house then consider it good advice to install GFCIs. However, unless there are specific local laws to the contrary, you are not required to install GFCIs to buy the house.

Are you selling the house? If you are selling the house then the home inspector is suggesting to the homeowner that GFCIs would be a good idea. Again, unless there is a local law to the contrary, and unless they put it in their purchase offer, you are not required to install GFCI receptacles.

GFCI receptacles in kitchens, bathrooms, and the other places required are good ideas, and you should install them for the added protection, but they are not required for existing homes.

 

Home inspectors typically don't tell you what to do. They just advise buyers of defects. The buyers, if they choose to do so, may request the mitigation of the defects as a condition of sale. The sellers, if they choose to do so, may comply with these requests. Or the seller always has the option of saying "no", or offering a price concession instead of mitigation. You are not required to do anything.

Having said all that, adding GFCI is an extremely common request as a condition of sale, even though it is not required by code to upgrade older homes. I suggest you just do it. A small amount of money and a small amount of time will make this issue go away.

 

Yes, guys, it's an existing home that I already bought. The inspector never "ordered" me to do it, he was simply suggesting.

I'll look into what you said, joed. Will get back to ya'll.

Chris