Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams

wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable
ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet How to Installing and Wire Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable

GFCI Code Requirements


gfci-electrical-codes
Summary: This article explains the basics of the electrical code requirements for GFI Protection as part of the home electrical wiring system.


Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician:
It is clear, concise and easy to understand. John from Warren, Ohio


GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS FOR THE HOME



Electrical Wiring Video

Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos

Will Display at the End of This Video

So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!


Check out my YouTube Channel:
» AskTheElectrician «
and Subscribe!



GFCI protection is a safety issue that is clearly stated in the National Electrical Code and required at your home electrical wiring system. GFCI protection must be provided in home electrical wiring for receptacle outlets installed in the following locations:

  • Outdoors
  • Bathrooms
  • Garage
  • Workshop
  • Specific Receptacles in Basement Areas
  • Kitchen
  • Areas adjacent to a wet-bar in recreation rooms
  • Hot Tubs, Jacuzzi Tubs, Swimming Pool Equipment*


* If an Isolation Transformer is used for underwater fixtures, the GFCI will not detect any ground faults on the secondary side of the transformer.
Ground Fault Circuit protection can be provided by either GFCI circuit-breakers or by installing GFCI receptacles within home electrical wiring.
** A GFCI will operate on a two-wire circuit even though an equipment grounding conductor is not included with the circuit conductor. Warnings:
Don’t Ever- Ground a neutral conductor except at the main service panel of the home electrical wiring system.
Don’t Ever - Connect the neutral of one circuit to the neutral of another circuit in the home electrical wiring system. Ground-fault circuit interrupters may be installed on other circuits and in other locations even when rewiring existing installations where the Code does not specifically call for GFCI protection.

THE FEED-THROUGH METHOD OF WIRING A GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER


When the feed through method of wiring is used, the GFCI receptacle supplies many other receptacles with power. If a ground fault occurs anywhere on the circuit, all the down stream receptacles lose power.

This may not be a good circuit layout because attempting to locate the source of the ground-fault problem could be very time consuming. Consider using more GFCI receptacles for a more practical design in your home electrical wiring system.

The feed through method of wiring provides GFCI protection to all downstream outlets which are wired from the location of the GFCI Receptacle.

TIP: You will notice that the LINE and LOAD connections are clearly marked on the receptacle.

A Yellow Label is attached to the LOAD terminals or wire leads and indicates a warning that the load terminals identified by this label are for feeding additional receptacles. Incorrect wiring could leave the outlet without ground-fault protection. Make sure to read all instructions prior to wiring the GFCI receptacle.

When using the feed through method of wiring in your home electrical wiring gfci circuit make sure not to reverse the LINE and LOAD connections as this could leave the GFCI receptacle “live” even in the event of the device tripping off.

Testing the GFCI Receptacle and Circuit:
The TEST and RESET Buttons are great indicators of the operation of the device, however a reading with a tester is still the best way to find out if the GFCI has been wired correctly in your home electrical wiring system.

With older GFCI receptacles, especially those found outdoor or in high moisture areas, it is common to find the buttons “stuck” or in-operable. Always replace the GFCI receptacle if this is found and test the device upon completion. Make sure outdoor receptacles are installed in weather proof enclosures to prevent damage from moisture. Use appropriate covers for your home electrical wiring application. If a cord will be used for extended periods of time, install approved covers that provide moisture protection for the receptacle and cord where the cover will close and latch while a cord is plugged in.

 

More about Wiring GFCI Receptacles




electrical_contractors

Electrical Codes for GFCI's at Rental Unit

Question: Hi, I'm looking for the local code # for GFI and Open wires as well as Power box or Panel for Wayne county. My daughter rented a house and it has NO GFI in the Kitchen or Bathroom as well as the Main out side power box cover is not closed or locked with wires showing and the inside breaker box has No cover and Open wires hanging out the Bottom not Protected. Can you give me a Couple of Law and Codes on these for Wayne county Indiana. My daughter is going to Court this Monday and I would like to show the Judge that there is a Code and Law to have them where she rents to have them replaced so my two grand daughter don't get Killed! Thanks a million. Scott

Answer: Scott, please refer to the Electrical Code section, and also visit your local building department for information specific to your location. Dave.


» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «
Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

See How to Wire it Right!

Learn more about GFCI Outlet Wiring
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Kitchen GFI Outlet Circuits
Bathroom GFI Outlet Circuits
Garage GFI Outlet Circuits
Hot Tub GFCI Circuits
Methods for Wiring GFCI Receptacle Outlets
Electrical Codes for GFCI Circuits and Receptacles
....and much more.

» Click here to learn more about Home Electrical Wiring «


Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.





RELATED


More about GFCI Code Requirements

Why Is My Bathroom Light Fixture Not Working?
How Can I Fix a Bathroom Light Fixture and a Bath Exhaust Fan that Stopped Working? The Most Common Problems with Bathroom Light Fixtures and How You Can Fix Them.

Causes of Electric Circuit Buzz Crackle or Sizzle
What is causing a buzz and crackle sound in the electric box? How to Locate the Cause of Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle, The Most Common Problems that Cause Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle and What Should Be Done.

Why Receptacle Outlets are Not Getting Full Power
Why Do I Only Have 70 Volts on a 120 Volt Receptacle? How to Troubleshoot and Repair Outlet Problems, The Most Common Problem with Electric Outlets and How to Repair Them.

Electrical Code for Garage GFI Outlets and Receptacles
How to Plan and Install Electrical Wiring for Garage Outlets and Lighting Circuits: Electrical Codes about GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in garages.

Sump Pumps and Dedicated Circuit Outlets
Understanding Sump Pump Circuit Requirements - It is good to consider all the possibilities of failure that could occur and deal with them right away and put into place all the safe guards to make sure the project is done right the first time.

How to Wire a GFCI Switch and Light
How do I add a switch to a light that is on a GFCI circuit? Ground Fault Protection for a Light Fixture.

Electric Circuit Repair after Flood or Water Damage
What should I do about Water Damaged Electrical Wires? Basic Procedure for Water Damaged Electrical Systems, Electrical Repairs for Water Damaged Electrical Wiring and Parts.

AFCI and GFCI Electrical Circuit Breakers
Is a AFCI and GFCI circuit breaker made as the same circuit breaker? Electric Wiring when using AFCI and GFCI Circuit Breakers, and AFCI and GFCI in the same breaker.

GFCI Code Requirements - 1773