Where are GFCI outlets supposed to be located?
GFCI outlets have been around since the 1970s and are typically found anywhere around the home that is a damp environment. Commonly they are located (or should be) at bathrooms, kitchen countertops, laundry areas, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, garages and at exterior outlets.
Can I put a GFCI anywhere in a circuit?
You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit. The electrical code also requires GFCIs in unfinished basements, garages, most outdoor receptacles and places where construction activity occurs.
Where GFCI outlets does not required to be installed?
GFCI protection is not required for receptacles that are not readily accessible, such as a ceiling-mounted receptacle for a garage door opener. Nor are they required for a receptacle on a dedicated branch circuit located and identified for a cord-and-plug-connected appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer.
How far does GFCI need to be from sink?
Generally, all 15 or 20-amp, single phase, 125-volt receptacles “within 6 ft.” of a sink, tub or shower must be GFCI protected. For a sink, the measurement starts “from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink”. For a bathtub or shower, the measurement starts at “the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall”.
How far from a sink can an outlet be?
3 feet
Every bathroom must have at least one electrical outlet. It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not. If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet.
Can you have 2 GFCI outlets on the same circuit?
Yes, you can use two or more GFCI outlets on the same circuit without any problem at all. The only downside to this is that if one of your GFCI outlets goes down, the others will probably go down as well. It is well worth putting two or more GFCI outlets on the same circuit, and it’s quite common.
How far should electrical outlets be from sink?
It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not. If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet.
What is the minimum distance between a sink and a socket?
Electrical sockets or switches should be fitted at a safe distance (it is recommended at least 30cm horizontally) from a sink to avoid the chance of water coming into contact with electricity. Sockets should also be easily accessible.
How close to a sink DO YOU NEED A GFCI?
As a rule of thumb, any outlet within six feet of the sink should be a GFCI outlet.
When and where are GFCI receptacles required?
GFCI receptacles were required in houses starting in 1971. Originally they were only required at the exterior of the house and by swimming pool equipment. Over the years, GFCI receptacles have been required in more locations such as garages, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
What are the requirements for GFCI?
GFCI protection is a requirement on all outdoor circuits. The following are examples of the need: all exterior lighting, all deck and porch outlets and all around the swimming pool or hot tub. Protection is also required for all outlets in the garage lower than 4 feet in height.
Where to place GFI outlets?
The answer is a GFCI outlet, or a ground fault circuit interrupt outlet. A GFCI (or GFI) outlet should be installed in any place where electricity might come in contact with water; such as a kitchen, a bathroom, a laundry room, garage,…
Are GFCI outlets required outdoors?
While it’s common to find GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, there are GFCI outlet requirements. The electrical code also requires GFCIs in unfinished basements, garages, most outdoor receptacles and places where construction activity occurs.