Gfci outlet?
Question:i need to add a gfci outlet to each bathroom and kitchen, breaker is 20 amp, but all outlets are 15amp, should i use a 20amp gfci or 15 amp.
Answers:
You can install a GFCI in two different ways. You can replace each outlet that needs to be protected with a GFCI receptacle. If you do this, 15 amp GFCIs are fine.
The second option is to replace the first outlet in the circuit to be replaced with a GFCI and connect the others to the load side of the GFCI. This is the most common approach. In this case, the GFCI should have the same rating as the breaker, 20 amps.
Might add that if you are going to install a separate GFCI for each outlet, you must make certain that none of the GFCIs are connected to the load of one of the others. Hooking GFCIs in series like this will cause excessive nuisance tripping.
easiest,change the breaker to 15,hardest,change all outlets to 20
If you are installing only one in each location, go with the 20 amp gfci receptacle. If you have multiple outlets on the 20 amp breaker, go with the 15 amp gfci receptacle. The gfci receptacles have additional lugs for protecting regular duplex receptacles that are wired past the gfci( series connections).
The important thing here is what the gauge of wire you have. If you have 14gauge wire and the breaker is a 20 amp you have a fire hazard. You will need to replace the breaker with a 15 amp. In that case use 15 amp GFCIs.
If you have 12 gauge wire then use 20 amp GFCIs.
15 amp GFI receptacle is legal because it is actually TWO receptacles. Thus the term , DUPLEX receptacle.
Make sure the wire is #12. Those circuits are required to be 20amp.
I'd use 20 amp recepts regardless.
the gfi, should always have the same rating as the breaker,and your outlets should be 20 amps depending on your wire size if its #12 go with the 20 amps,the circuit breaker has to protect the wire and receptacles.
More Related Questions & Answers...