GFCI circuit breaker and 2-wire circuit


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Old 03-02-08, 03:44 PM
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GFCI circuit breaker and 2-wire circuit

Older house, most circuits are 2-wire, including 15A circuit to a bathroom we're doing some work in and would like to have the 2-prong outlet protected by GFCI. Without ground wire there, I can't just replace that outlet with a GFCI outlet (or even a 3-prong grounded outlet).

Can I use a GFCI circuit breaker on that 2-wire circuit and be protected as though that outlet was a GFCI outlet (grounded properly)?

Or run a 3-wire from the breaker box to a GFCI outlet, and move the 2-wire circuit from the box to the GFCI outlet?

JU
 
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Old 03-02-08, 03:58 PM
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Without ground wire there, I can't just replace that outlet with a GFCI outlet (or even a 3-prong grounded outlet).
You most certainly can....

There will be specific instructions in the receptacle box pertaining to your situation. There will also be a "Stick-On" label that must be affixed to the gfci recept to denote.."No equipment Ground". Gfci will function as described , even without a Ground conductor.
 
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Old 03-02-08, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Unclediezel
You most certainly can....

There will be specific instructions in the receptacle box pertaining to your situation. There will also be a "Stick-On" label that must be affixed to the gfci recept to denote.."No equipment Ground". Gfci will function as described , even without a Ground conductor.
Wonderful!

Thanks much, Unclediezel. Now I can go shopping.

JU
 
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Old 03-03-08, 10:37 AM
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You can do that, but keep in mind your bathroom is not up to code. If this bathroom work you are doing is a complete remodel then you should run a new 20A circuit for the bathroom.
 
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Old 03-04-08, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by core
You can do that, but keep in mind your bathroom is not up to code.
How do you figure that?

It's NEC article 406.3(D)(3) that specifically allows this installation.
How can that be "not up to code"?

Just curious

steve
 
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Old 03-04-08, 07:44 AM
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I did not say this installation was not allowed by code. I said the bathroom is not up to code. Perhaps I should have said 'up to current code' for clarity. Whether this is required depends on how involved this bathroom work is.

210.11(C)(3) requires a 20A circuit for these receptacles. The original poster has said it is a 15A.

He didn't say whether this 'work' was just wallpapering or a remodel.
 
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Old 03-04-08, 09:16 AM
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He didn't say whether this 'work' was just wallpapering or a remodel.
Sorry guys , I missed that part.

A new sink fixture and some paint is different from a Remodel.

Jullian....Dependant upon how drastic your bathroom work is, a new circuit may need to be run to comply with current electrical codes.

Minor work would not necessarily require any changes, so youve gone above and beyond minimum requirements..

A quick call to your local township office will rectify any confusion.
 
 

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