GFCI Receptacle, GFCI Breaker or Both

Is a GFCI breaker required if GFCI receptacles are present in the bathrooms and kitchen? Does having both receptacle and breaker GFCI rated provide greater protection…

Will a GFCI Breaker and GFCI Receptacle Be Safer?
Question:Is a GFCI breaker required if GFCI receptacles are present in the bathrooms and kitchen? Does having both receptacle and breaker GFCI rated provide greater protection, or is it unnecessary?
This electrical question came from: Mike, a Property Manager from Phoenix, AZ
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mike.
Mike, either the GFCI Receptacle or a GFCI Breaker is fine. Having both will not provide any more protection due to the threshold level that is designed into the basic GFCI devices. There are more sensitive GFCI Circuit Breakers that are required in areas such as where electric heating cables are used to melt snow and ice.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:
See more about Electrical Wiring for Arizona

Circuit Breakers

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

GFCI Outlet Wiring

kitchen

Kitchen Electrical Wiring Requirements
This wiring diagram and pictures explain the basic kitchen electrical code wiring requirements required for most new or remodel projects.

bathroom

Bathroom Electrical Wiring Requirements
This wiring diagram and pictures explain the basic bathroom electrical code wiring requirements required for most new or remodel projects. Give your bathroom a face lift when you enhance the electrical devices that will bring out the best in you. Make your eyes sparkle with get a breath of fresh air when you install one of these smart upgrades.

For more information about GFCI Wiring
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.

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Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, 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.

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

More articles about GFCI and Home Electrical Wiring:
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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.