How many GFIC's are needed
#1
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Thread Starter
How many GFIC's are needed
Currently in the remodel stage of our outdated bathroom. Installed a new vanity and have put 2 outlets boxes up (one on each end above the vanity).
Do these both require GFCI's? I've read conflicting reports....that all outlets in the bathroom need to be GFCI's and another stating that only one has to be (if it is in a run).
As we are also adding our washer/dryer into this room, is a GFCI outlet also needed for the washer?
Clarification on this would be greatly appreciated!
~Thanks
Do these both require GFCI's? I've read conflicting reports....that all outlets in the bathroom need to be GFCI's and another stating that only one has to be (if it is in a run).
As we are also adding our washer/dryer into this room, is a GFCI outlet also needed for the washer?
Clarification on this would be greatly appreciated!
~Thanks
#2
Member
All receptacles in a bathroom need to be GFCI protected. That does not mean all receptacles have to be GFCIs. A GFCI receptacle, if wired properly, can protect "downstream" receptacles on the same circuit. In order to do that, the feed to the "downstream" outlets needs to run through the box with the GFCI. If you are redoing the wiring, this is easy to do. If not, it may be easier to install more than one GFCI to meet the code requirements.
Normally a washing machine receptacle is not required to be GFCI protected unless it is within 6 feet of a sink, however when located in a bathroom, a GFCI is required for the washing machine.
Normally a washing machine receptacle is not required to be GFCI protected unless it is within 6 feet of a sink, however when located in a bathroom, a GFCI is required for the washing machine.
#3
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If you are going to use TWO GFIC's this is the way you will wire them, in this case use only the LINE at the first GFCI and pigtail the hot wires and neutral wires to wire from there to the LINE n the second GFCI, notice that LOAD terminals ARE NOT used in this setup:

Now, if you want to use 1 GFCI and the second receptacle a NON-GFCI in the bathroom but comply with the NEC, you will need to wire them specifically this way, in this case wires from the power source goes to the LINE in first GFCI but then you will wire from the LOAD terminals of the first GFCI to the second non-GFCI receptacle as usual. This way the first GFCI will protect the second non-GFIC receptacle, therefore both receptacles will be GFCI PROTECTED, this is permitted in the bathroom, kitchen, etc. However, if you wire the second non-GFCI receptacle from the LINE of the first GFCI that non-GFCI receptacle will NOT be protected and that's a code violation. You have to wire them exactly this way to be permitted:

Now, if you want to use 1 GFCI and the second receptacle a NON-GFCI in the bathroom but comply with the NEC, you will need to wire them specifically this way, in this case wires from the power source goes to the LINE in first GFCI but then you will wire from the LOAD terminals of the first GFCI to the second non-GFCI receptacle as usual. This way the first GFCI will protect the second non-GFIC receptacle, therefore both receptacles will be GFCI PROTECTED, this is permitted in the bathroom, kitchen, etc. However, if you wire the second non-GFCI receptacle from the LINE of the first GFCI that non-GFCI receptacle will NOT be protected and that's a code violation. You have to wire them exactly this way to be permitted:

#4
It's important that the bathroom receptacle(s) are installed on a separate 20A circuit, and that the washing machine also has a separate 20A circuit per code requirements. GFCI protection is required on all 120V receptacle outlets in a bathroom.