GFCI / AFCI

Crawlspace GFCI Installed at or Below the Grade Level

Crawlspace GFCI for sump pump

Crawlspace GFCI installed at or below the grade level
GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
Crawlspace GFCI protection for receptacles has changed slightly in 2008 NEC (National Electrical Code). 2005 NEC exception that allowed single receptacles for not easily moved appliances to be excluded from GFCI requirement has been removed.
Because of the moisture, flooding, drainage problems , crawlspace GFCI protection absolutely makes sense in such application. The only device that homeowners would probably prefer without GFCI protection is a sump pump, which used to be a part of that 2005 exception.
If you’re concerned about your crawlspace flooding, the solution would be to install […]

House Exterior GFCI Receptacles

Exterior GFCI - seasonal decorations outlet receptacles on exterior require GFCI protection

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; […]

Garage GFCI Receptacles and GFCI in Accessory Buildings

Garage GFCI - garage overhead doors opener receptacle requires GFCI protection (2008 NEC)

Garage GFCI receptacles / accessory building GFCI
Exceptions for the garage GFCI receptacles and GFCI’s in accessory buildings have been removed by the 2008 NEC (National Electrical Code). The new rules apply to the structures that have a floor located at or below grade level, are not intended for use as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.
GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
Always remember about GFCI maintenance and testing – those devices are worthless piece of equipment, unless they  are operating properly!
Accessory building GFCI
There’s no more GFCI unprotected receptacles permitted in accessory buildings. If […]

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 […]

GFCI Locations in Residential Buildings based on 2008 NEC

From this post you can follow links to all GFCI locations in residential buildings based on 2008 NEC – at the bottom section. GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Before installing GFCI receptacles or replacing a regular outlet receptacle, always check with your local code enforcement division, there may be some additional regulations applied, sometimes … Read more

GFCI Outlet Purpose and GFCI Location History

The simplest explanation of the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Receptacle Purpose would be: GFCI devices save lives by limiting the duration of electrical shocks. The real life scenario: Let’s say that you’re using a metal knife or fork to pull out your breakfast from the toaster which is still turned on. By touching the … Read more