GFCI - wasted money, grandfathered replacement?
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GFCI - wasted money, grandfathered replacement?
I replaced 6 worn outlets in my garage with GFCI to the tune of 75 bucks.
Then someone told me that since GFCI's werent in the code when the house was built that I could have just replaced with standard duplex's. They found it funny that I spent all that money on outlets that wont hardly ever be used.
What do you think?
Then someone told me that since GFCI's werent in the code when the house was built that I could have just replaced with standard duplex's. They found it funny that I spent all that money on outlets that wont hardly ever be used.
What do you think?
#4
You only need one GFCI per circuit. Yep, you overbought. Even though it wasn't code, the safety factor you have with GFCI's can't be measured in money, OK? Install your GFCI as the first receptacle in line from the breaker panel, then run the other regular receptacles from the LOAD side of the GFCI. That way all the receptacles downline are protected with just a single GFCI.
#5
The code requires that when replacing receptacles that would require GFI protection under the current code you need to provide GFI protection. The grandfathering is out the door.
One GFI could have protected the entire circuit if wired properly.
One GFI could have protected the entire circuit if wired properly.
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I must have made a mistake putting GFCI's at each outlet.
But the outlets are not fed from the load side or in the same conduit. There are junction boxes in the attic space which had 12/2 dropping to each outlet. Because of the age of the wiring I didnt want to disturb those boxes.
I suppose a GFCI breaker was one option but I didnt want everything in garage on GFCI.
What am I missing? How should I have wired this then?
But the outlets are not fed from the load side or in the same conduit. There are junction boxes in the attic space which had 12/2 dropping to each outlet. Because of the age of the wiring I didnt want to disturb those boxes.
I suppose a GFCI breaker was one option but I didnt want everything in garage on GFCI.
What am I missing? How should I have wired this then?
#8
But the outlets are not fed from the load side or in the same conduit. There are junction boxes in the attic space which had 12/2 dropping to each outlet. Because of the age of the wiring I didnt want to disturb those boxes.
I suppose a GFCI breaker was one option but I didnt want everything in garage on GFCI.
I suppose a GFCI breaker was one option but I didnt want everything in garage on GFCI.
Any and every receptacle in a garage must have GFCI protection. Are there load(s) in your garage that don't need it and that you'd rather not have protected, that would only have GFCI protection if you installed the breaker?
If you're saying that you'd rather not have all of the receptacles on the same GFCI protection device, so that a problem with one tool or other load can kill just one of the receptacles while the others stay on, that makes a lot of sense.
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THanks I already knew that I had no choice with the outlets, I wished I could have wired off the load side like folks assumed. My question was about the grandfathering of old outlets but I know that answer now too.
In regards to the inquiry about the breaker:
If I installed gfci breaker then the lighting and garage door would be on it.
The garage is also controlled by tandem breakers so eventhough I didnt price the breakers, I would guess the breakers would be the same or if not more in cost than the 6 outlets.
In regards to the inquiry about the breaker:
If I installed gfci breaker then the lighting and garage door would be on it.
The garage is also controlled by tandem breakers so eventhough I didnt price the breakers, I would guess the breakers would be the same or if not more in cost than the 6 outlets.
#12
If I installed gfci breaker then the lighting and garage door would be on it.
Originally Posted by Nashkat1
Any and every receptacle in a garage must have GFCI protection.
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Your right, 2008 NEC calls for GFCI on GDO. My area hasnt adopted 2008 I dont think so I think the GDO counts as being "not readily accesible".... but then I think I get bit by the replacement must be GFCI clause... I cant win.
So what is the code reference for the requirement about it being accesible without a ladder though?
(This is where the thread could morph into a debate whether GFCI should be a refrigerators, sump pumps and freezers)
So what is the code reference for the requirement about it being accesible without a ladder though?
(This is where the thread could morph into a debate whether GFCI should be a refrigerators, sump pumps and freezers)
#14
So what is the code reference for the requirement about it being accesible without a ladder though?
I thing it's just the standard part about all overcurrent protection devices being accessible. Common sense anyway - don't want to fool with fixing a fault from a ladder.
(This is where the thread could morph into a debate whether GFCI should be a refrigerators, sump pumps and freezers)
#15
(This is where the thread could morph into a debate whether GFCI should be a refrigerators, sump pumps and freezers)