We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power — more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Quick links. Let's talk big ideas View all social media. Are you Sure? Cancel Sign out. If you choose the multiple-location option, the first GFCI receptacle will be protected, along with each receptacle in the same circuit, including standard ones.
However, what is left unprotected is the portion between the GFCI outlet and the main service panel. For instance, if your GFCI receptacle is the fourth one in an eight outlet circuit, then the first three ones will not be receiving protection. The entire circuit is protected by GFCI circuit breakers and these are fairly simple. If you install one breaker in the service panel, the entire circuit receives GFCI protection. This includes the wiring, appliances and all devices connected to the circuit.
There may be situations in which AFCI protection is required. If you are looking for a solution that could provide the entire circuit with protection, then GFCI circuit breakers are a natural choice. When thinking of installing a receptacle circuit for a large patio or your garage, it would be a far better choice to wire the circuit with a GFCI breaker. This way, you can be certain that the entire circuit is adequately protected.
For instance, installing them behind the furniture or the appliances is not permitted. The reason behind this decision is that in case the receptacle trips, you will need to reset it at its location.
However, if you require protection in these locations, you might want to install GFCI breakers. When these trip, you will need to go to the service panel to reset them.
It is true that GFCI receptacles are simpler to install. However, you could consider the matter of efficiency when having to decide. So, assuming you would require GFCI protection for one or two receptacles, for specific locations like the laundry room or bathroom, you could install receptacles only at these locations. Working on a service panel is not the simplest of tasks, not even for a DIY-er and you might not be familiar with it at all. Adding a receptacle is a considerably easier and faster job compared to replacing a circuit breaker.
There is another aspect you need to consider: size. GFCI receptacle bodies are much larger than standard ones. So, you need to consider the wall box, because the available space might affect your choice.
Standard-size boxes are not large enough to permit a safe GFCI receptacle installation. This is why going for a GFCI circuit breaker might be your only option. When having to make a decision, you should consider the aspect of cost as well.
Clearly, if money is an issue, then you should consider a GFCI outlet. This could work out well if really all you need to protect is one location only. Local electrical codes may have particular requirements that differ from the national code, which is the NEC. These requirements are certainly a factor that impacts your decision when choosing between a GFCI breaker and an outlet.
The local electrical code contains specific rules for your area, so be sure to consult your local building code department.
Here are some of the requirements you should be well aware of:. It is true that resetting a receptacle is much more convenient than resetting the breaker, as in this case you need to go all the way to the service panel to do it. GFCI, a ground fault circuit interrupter, is a device that can detect an electrical fault and shut off power before an injury or electrocution happens.
The general rule is that GFCI is required wherever electrical circuits may accidentally come into contact with water; basically where appliances and power tools are used in close proximity to water. It is recommended that GFCIs be installed in kitchens, baths, restrooms, laundry rooms, outdoors, or in the garages where electric power tools might be used. The GFCI circuit breaker provides protection against overloads, short circuits and ground faults by detecting very low levels of electrical current leaks and quickly shutting off power, preventing serious shock.
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