GFCI Protection for Kitchen Counter Top Outlets
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To make the counter top outlets GFCI protected while not interrupting the power to the refrigerator… |
Providing GFCI Protected Kitchen Outlets
Electrical Question: To make the counter top outlets GFCI protected while not interrupting the power to the refrigerator, which happens to be the last outlet in the circuit, in pigtailed in a GFCI receptacle to both the outlets which allowed me to keep uninterrupted power to the refrigerator. My question is this allowed by code and if it is which NEC section is it in.
This is a question about a Town Home built in 1984.
Thanks.
This electrical question came from: Matt , from Colorado springs, Colorado
See more about Home Wiring for Colorado
Dave The Electrician’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Matt
Electrical Codes and GFCI Outlets
- Kitchen counter top outlets are required by code to be protected by GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interruption.
- The method used for the protection does not matter, the fact that the GFCI protection is what matters at the end result.
- I should point out that the refrigerator should be on it’s own circuit and is required with new construction and kitchen electrical upgrades or remodel projects.
- You may access the electrical code for the GFCI outlet and others by using the links below.
Wiring GFI Outlets
GFCI and GFI Wiring Diagrams
The features and benefits of GFCI outlets and receptacles will give you a clear understanding of the importance why these safety devices are required by code to help protect you and your family against accidental electrical shock hazards.
GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.
Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring
Electrical Code Directory covering AFCI circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical GFCI, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-code, and smoke-detectors.
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
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I have 3 outlets on my kitchen counter wall, all have 4 wires, 2 black and 2 white, plus ground. I want to replace one outlet with a GFCI so all the outlets will be protected. How do I know which outlet to replace, being they each have 2 line and 2 load wires?
Thanks
Great question Vince,
We generally look for the outlet that is closest to the electrical panel, then we turn off the circuit breaker, remove the wires from the outlet, insulate them with wirenuts, turn the circuit back on and then test the remaining outlets to see if they lost power. If so, then we know we have located the outlet preceding the others. Next, the wire pairs in the outlet box are tested to identify the Line and the Load for proper connections to the GFCI outlet. The process is repeated until the first outlet has been identified. To make the process easier, just locate the circuit breaker and replace it with a GFCI circuit breaker, however resetting a GFCI breaker is not as convenient as resetting a GFCI outlet.
I hope this helps,
Dave