Gfci Bathroom
How to wire a bathroom gfci outlet circuit.
Gfci bathroom. Gfci protection is designed to prevent the shocks that might occur when a ground fault occurs and it can be provided by special gfci outlet receptacles or by a gfci circuit breaker that protects the entire circuit. Now thanks largely to the proliferation of gfci technologies particularly in areas near water such as bathroom sinks or in places exposed to rain or standing water that number has dropped to around 200. 12 gauge copper wire. Ground fault circuit interrupters or gfci have saved thousands of lives over the last three decades.
How to upgrade a 2 prong outlet with a new gfci. Before the widespread adoption of gfci ground fault circuit interrupter outlets around 800 people died annually in the united states. Learn the differences between a gfci receptacle and a gfci circuit breaker. A gfci is a special type of outlet designed to cut off power before a deadly electrical shock can occur.
The most common one is the gfce receptacle very similar to a common wall receptacle very cheap and easy to install the portable gfci can be plugged into a standard outlet providing the protection needed while the temporary one is an attachment plug that can be used to provide the desired protection but will not. The nec requires that all outlet receptacles in a bathroom be gfci protected. Do not install in bathroom or clothes closets. A ground fault circuit interrupter is a protective device specifically designed to break the circuit every time there is an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current.
The top one which is often black is a test button and when you press it the breaker should trip which is how you know your bathroom gfci outlet is working. Bathroom gfci receptacle must be located within 3 36. A gfci is needed to be installed in moisture water and water pipes or other similar conditions and locations such as bathroom kitchen hot tubes workshop swimming pool laundry l and any other areas where water and electricity are likely to come in contact. The gfci outlet protects electrical wiring and receptacles from overheating and possible fire greatly minimizing the risk of shock injuries and fatal burns.
The receptacle outlet which is located in the bathroom must be protected by a gfci device which would either be a gfci circuit breaker or a gfci outlet. 20 ampere rated gfci outlet receptacle. The bathroom gfci outlet is recognizable by the two pushbuttons on its face. Bathroom gfci protection is required for all new bathroom outlet receptacles.
Gfci receptacles and gfci circuit breakers are similar in the way they protect your home but there are key differences to know about their use. Three types of gfci s. 20 ampere rated circuit breaker inside the electrical panel. Bathroom electrical wiring and bathroom receptacles must have a 20 ampere rating.