Tag archive: receptacles
GFCI Outlet Safety Issue | GFCI Receptacle With no Smart Lock
GFCI outlet safety / GFCI without Smart Lock
I’ve been running into this particular GFCI outlet safety issue quite often lately, and since it can easily stay undetected creating serious safety hazard, I’ll explain it for you.
This GFCI outlet safety problem applies to older receptacles, manufactured before 2003 – the year when “Smart Lock” type GFCI receptacle has been introduced by Leviton. GFCI receptacles equipped with the “Smart Lock” feature include a small padlock sign on the face of the device.
So, if you have any GFCI outlet receptacles without the “Smart Lock” logo, make sure that you test them properly / [...]
House Exterior GFCI Receptacles
Exterior GFCI Receptacles
The 2008 NEC did not change house exterior GFCI receptacles requirement protection since the previous edition.
All outdoor house receptacles must be GFCI protected.
GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
There is one exception from this exterior GFCI receptacles requirement:
If you have electrical outlets that are not readily accessible (you can’t reach them standing on the ground without using ladders, or any other equipment) and they are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated for snow / ice melting equipment (there’s nothing else on this circuit), exterior GFCI protection is not required.
However, that snow / ice melting equipment must be permanently attached; [...]
Bathroom GFCI Receptacles and Electrical Components
Bathroom GFCI receptacle protection is required by the NEC (National Electrical Code), and of course by the common sense – why would you risk getting electrocuted if you can secure your safety by installing GFCI outlet.
Since some bathrooms are currently equipped with many electrical current hungry devices, power supply requirements had to be slightly adjusted. We used to have a bathroom sharing an electrical circuit with exterior outlets, the kitchen, and a garage – not anymore.
Of course, the minimum requirement listed below is not going to work if you add a steam shower, heated electric floor, hydro-spa heater, several light [...]