Using receptacles downstream of GFCI receptacles
#1
10-01-11, 07:25 AM
Using receptacles downstream of GFCI receptacles
I understand if I have a GFCI outlet, I can use a normal non-GFCI receptacles downstream of it, by connecting to the LOAD side of the GFCI.
I have done that a few times with a fourplex in a two gang box. One GFCI and next to it a non-GFCI.
I am wondering, is it a good idea to do it to a box say 8 feet away on the other side of the wall?
I know it can be done, the question is more along the line of SHOULD it be done?
The GFCI receptacle I have is in the kitchen sink area. From there, a conduit runs in the concrete exterior wall to the outside and a receptacle now face the outside terrace. I can connect a non-GFCI receptacle there from the kitchen one. But it will look like non-GFCI and no one would have a clue it is GFCI protected (except me).
So question is, is it OK to wire a non-GFCI receptacle when it is not obvious it is GFCI protected? or should I just run a normal line and wire a GFCI receptacle in those situations.
I have done that a few times with a fourplex in a two gang box. One GFCI and next to it a non-GFCI.
I am wondering, is it a good idea to do it to a box say 8 feet away on the other side of the wall?
I know it can be done, the question is more along the line of SHOULD it be done?
The GFCI receptacle I have is in the kitchen sink area. From there, a conduit runs in the concrete exterior wall to the outside and a receptacle now face the outside terrace. I can connect a non-GFCI receptacle there from the kitchen one. But it will look like non-GFCI and no one would have a clue it is GFCI protected (except me).
So question is, is it OK to wire a non-GFCI receptacle when it is not obvious it is GFCI protected? or should I just run a normal line and wire a GFCI receptacle in those situations.
#2
10-01-11, 09:54 AM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
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Circuits supplying kitchen counter tops may only supply the counter tops, pantry and dining room receptacles. Your outside receptacle may NOT be on this circuit.
As for a general answer...you may have a plain receptacle anywhere downstream of a GFCI receptacle. It may not be the wisest decision but it is legal. For example, in my house (built in 1987) there was a GFCI in the garage (the sole receptacle in the garage) and it also supplied the receptacle in the front bathroom which in turn supplied the receptacle in the back bathroom which supplied the receptacle on the back porch. When I tested the front bathroom receptacle with a hand-held GFCI tester I had a heck of a time finding the GFCI receptacle controlling the circuit.
I shortly thereafter installed three separate receptacle circuits in my garage, removed the single GFCI receptacle feeding the bathrooms making the box just a junction point. I installed a GFCI receptacle in the front bathroom and connected the cable to the back bathroom to the LINE connections of the first GFCI. I installed a GFCI in the back bathroom with the cable going to the receptacle on the back porch connected to the LOAD terminals. It still isn't in compliance with current code but it is better than it was. I plan to entirely remove the back porch receptacle from this circuit in the future.
So, to put it shortly, I prefer that receptacles requiring GFCI protection NOT be placed any long physical distance from the GFCI receptacle controlling the circuit. If you cannot avoid this then I would put a label on the plain receptacle noting where the controlling GFCI receptacle is located.
As for a general answer...you may have a plain receptacle anywhere downstream of a GFCI receptacle. It may not be the wisest decision but it is legal. For example, in my house (built in 1987) there was a GFCI in the garage (the sole receptacle in the garage) and it also supplied the receptacle in the front bathroom which in turn supplied the receptacle in the back bathroom which supplied the receptacle on the back porch. When I tested the front bathroom receptacle with a hand-held GFCI tester I had a heck of a time finding the GFCI receptacle controlling the circuit.
I shortly thereafter installed three separate receptacle circuits in my garage, removed the single GFCI receptacle feeding the bathrooms making the box just a junction point. I installed a GFCI receptacle in the front bathroom and connected the cable to the back bathroom to the LINE connections of the first GFCI. I installed a GFCI in the back bathroom with the cable going to the receptacle on the back porch connected to the LOAD terminals. It still isn't in compliance with current code but it is better than it was. I plan to entirely remove the back porch receptacle from this circuit in the future.
So, to put it shortly, I prefer that receptacles requiring GFCI protection NOT be placed any long physical distance from the GFCI receptacle controlling the circuit. If you cannot avoid this then I would put a label on the plain receptacle noting where the controlling GFCI receptacle is located.
