Sage-Tips

Where do GFCI outlets go in kitchen?

In kitchens, all outlets that serve countertop surfaces should be equipped with GFCI outlet protection. That would include any outlets on walls, behind wet areas (sinks, etc.) that have features such as countertop breakfast bars (open counter surfaces above sinks used to sit at on the opposite side).

How far does a GFCI have to be from a kitchen sink?

It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not. If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet.

Where should GFCI outlets be installed?

GFCI outlets should be installed in any potentially wet or damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoors, basements, garages and workshops. Damp areas can make you prone to dangerous electric shock but using a GFCI outlet can greatly reduce your risk of injury.

How many GFCI outlets should a kitchen have?

one GFCI
You only need one GFCI if it’s installed as the first outlet in the circuit and wired properly. Every outlet in the kitchen was required to be protected by GFCI.

Are GFCI required in kitchens?

Kitchens: All receptacles serving countertop areas and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must have GFCI protection. Laundry, utility, and wet bar sinks: Where receptacles are placed within 6 feet of the outside edge of the sink, they require GFCI protection.

Should outlets under kitchen sink be GFCI?

210.8(A) requires receptacles serving the kitchen countertop to be GFCI protected. It also requires GFCI protection for receptacles within 6′ of a sink, but only sinks not in a kitchen.

How close to a kitchen sink can a electrical socket be?

30cm horizontally
Electrical sockets or switches should be fitted at a safe distance (it is recommended at least 30cm horizontally) from a sink to avoid the chance of water coming into contact with electricity. Sockets should also be easily accessible.

What is the load side of a GFCI?

The “line” wires are the incoming power from the breaker box and the “load” wires are the outgoing power that travels down the circuit to the next outlet.

How many outlets do I need in my kitchen?

Requirement: Provide at least two 20-amp, 120-volt circuits to supply power to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles for countertop and eating areas. Why: The 20 amps are required (vs. 15 amp) for the higher power requirements found in kitchens. Think toaster ovens, blenders, and mixers.

How high should kitchen outlets be?

Kitchen receptacles install above the backsplash of counter tops. This makes the correct height about 43 inches from the bottom of the box to the floor.

Do all kitchen outlets have to be GFCI?

In kitchens, all outlets that serve countertop surfaces should be equipped with GFCI outlet protection. That would include any outlets on walls, behind wet areas (sinks, etc.) that have features such as countertop breakfast bars on them (open counter surfaces above sinks used to sit at on the opposite side).

What is GFCI and how it works?

The GFCI type of outlet constantly monitors electricity flowing in a circuit, to sense any loss of current.

How can I provide GFCI protection to my Kitchen receptacles?

Replace it with a GFCI receptacle outlet. Probably the simplest solution.

Replace a receptacle upstream between the one you want to protect and the electrical panel with a GFCI receptacle. It will protect all the circuits downstream in the circuit.

Install a dead front GFCI upstream between the receptacle you want to protect and the electrical panel.

Should a refrigerator be on a GFCI?

GFCI Outlets for Freezers and Refrigerators. There has been a history of problems where a refrigerator or freezer will trip a GFCI off without warning. For most locations, a freezer or refrigerator does not need to be protected by GFCI unless the location requires.