Hairdryer Outlet and GFI Safety Requirement
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Electrical Protection Requirements for a Hairdryer Near a Sink – Keep in mind that if this outlet will be within 6 feet of a sink then the outlets require GFI protection. |
Electrical Protection Requirement for a Hairdryer Near a Sink
[ad#block] Electrical Question: Is it legal to have two separate circuits supplying power to the same duplex outlet? No other devices are present in the box. I understand that the tabs must be removed connecting the two hots together as well as the tabs for the neutral. I also thought it would be safer if the two circuits are on a double pole breaker. Therefore disconnecting the supply to both circuits at the same time. I am asking this because my wife’s hair dryer (1800W) keeps tripping the 20A breaker while other appliances are running. I just want to add a 12-2 wire not set it up as a multi-wire circuit 12-3. This outlet is in her beauty shop not a bathroom.
This electrical question came from: Jeremy, a Student from Monroeton, PA
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Jeremy.
GFCI Outlets for Safety in Bathrooms and Sink Areas
Yes Jeremy this can be done but keep in mind that if this outlet will be within 6 feet of a sink then the outlets require GFI protection.
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If I have a GFCI outlet in my bathroom is it necessary for a blow dryer to have a GFCI cord as well? The GFCI on the blow dryer has burned up and I want to remove it and replace it with a standard plug. Would this be a problem?
Best Regards,
Duane
Hi Duane,
When a GFCI outlet is used for a device that has a 2-wire cord or a 3-wire cord a fault to ground will still be detected. GFCI protection is required for the bathroom outlets so the faulty GFCI should be replaced with another one, that way you will be sure to have the proper protection.
I hope this helps.
Dave