GFCI

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Carie Penabad

July 15, 2020 19:14

I have found conflicting information on where to place GFCI.  

Some sources say, clothes washing machines and others say simply laundry rooms.  Any clarifications would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

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  aagangchen July 16, 2020 06:17 (Edited July 16, 2020 17:34)

  GFCI is used in area with water to prevent electric shock and save lives, such as bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, or laundry area with the garage of a home.

  Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)

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  Timothy Cotter July 16, 2020 16:50

  Code requirements are within 6' of a water source.

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  aagangchen July 16, 2020 17:33 (Edited July 16, 2020 17:33)

  Yes, see more information here:

  “When measuring distances for GFCI protection, the distance is the shortest path that a cord would take, without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier; or passing through a door, doorway, or window.”

  This new measurement clarification is a much-needed addition to the NEC GFCI rules as it clarifies how to properly handle rules that include measurements. For example, there’s a GFCI rule that says any outlet within 6 feet of a sink needs a GFCI outlet. This type of regulation created confusion as to what those six feet really means. For example, an outlet that is on the other side of the wall from a sink – not even in the same room. Does that qualify as within six feet of the sink? That type of confusion is gone with this specific guideline that specifies what those measurements really mean.

  There is, however, one key exception based on the wording of the code. If an outlet is under a sink blocked by a cabinet, a cord could easily go below the sink, beyond an open cabinet door and into the outlet without traveling nearly six feet. In 2014, that outlet would be considered to need the GFCI protection – and the risk is real as the outlet is directly beneath a sink and behind a cabinet that is often open. The cabinet is generally interpreted as a door, however, so the outlet wouldn’t need GFCI based on the updated language of the code.

  For the most part, the new details on measurement resolve questions about GFCI requirements, but they do introduce a few areas of uncertainty. Architecture, engineering and construction professionals should check with local authorities to clarify interpretation within the jurisdictions where they work.”

  See link below:

  https://www.redvector.com/articles/safety/gfci-protection-standards-to-prevent-electrocution-2017-nec-updates/

  Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)

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  Carie Penabad July 17, 2020 15:42

  Many thanks for the detailed explanation.  Much appreciated Gang!

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  aagangchen July 18, 2020 23:20

  I am glad to help. You are very welcome.

  Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)

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  James Wyatt July 23, 2020 05:26

  Gang,

  What is the difference between GFCI and GFI?

  Is it identical or is there some specific difference?

  Thank you.

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  aagangchen July 23, 2020 06:05

  There is no significant difference at all. See link:

  https://www.homelectrical.com/what-difference-between-gfci-and-gfi.6.html#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20significant%20difference,as%20the%20exact%20same%20thing.

  Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)

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