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GFCI Protected Plug Strips for Projects and Applications

GFCI Protection Made Easy for Home Electrical Projects: How to Provide GFCI Protection for Home Projects: GFCI Protection is Simple Using These Parts that are available from Your Local Hardware Store


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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GFCI Protection Made Easy for Home Electrical Projects
Electrical Question: I am building a piece of furniture (Fish tank stand) and have come into an electrical wiring question that I am not certain whether or not falls under a set of codes.

How to Provide GFCI Protection for Home Projects

GFCI Protection is Simple Using These Parts that are available from Your Local Hardware Store

  1. A 12-gauge, 3 conductor Replacement Cord which has 3 wire conductors at one end (strand type, soldered so they each end in a solid tip), and a male plug at the other end (Utilitech 6′ 14/3 Replacement Cord, or equivalent)
  2. One 1/2″-hole Metal Weatherproof Gang Box (2 hole or 3 hole, will only be using 1 hole and plug the others with included caps)
  3. A UL Approved GFCI Receptacle.
  4. A electrical Cord Grip Fitting (1/2″, fits Cables .260″ – .350″).
  5. A weatherproof Gasket / Receptacle Cover (Was a 6-in-1 variety of the same brand as the Gang box)

I would run the cable through the cord grip attached to the box, connect to receptacle and put together the box, and install this to the stand. The box is also connected to the ground.

This avoids the “finicky” GFCI plug in type items which kill fish if they “trip” after a power outage and/or ones that are supposed to resume power after a power outage do not, and also means that a GFCI is always available without having to call landlord again and install a new outlet.

NOTE: I have used 16-gauge, a PVC box, no cord-grip, and not a weatherproof cover, so I will NOT be using that version and instead use the parts above.

Total load is approximately 325 Watts with heater, lighters, filters, after hooking up the surge protector to the GFI outlet.

If it is OK, is there a “preventive maintenance” I should perform involving opening the outlet to check for damage to the part of the flexible cord which is located inside the box?

Thank you so much!

This electrical question came from: Dave, from Union, New Jersey.

Additional Comments: very informative!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Dave.

Plug Strips and GFCI Protection

A GFCI Protected Plug Strip May be the Best Protection for Many Projects and Applications

More about Residential Electrical Wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets
outlet-wiring

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.
Wiring GFCI 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
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.

Residential Electric Wiring Codes
electrical-wiring

Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring

Electrical Code Directory covering  GFCI Outlets.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» 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  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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.


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