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Electrical Wiring

GFCI Receptical Wiring Question - Box In Middle Of Run

16 years ago

Question to help me understand why when a GFCI is installed in in a receptical box located in the middle of the run, a pigtail is used to run to the line terminals on the GFCI. The pigtail is then spliced with a wire nut to the incomming line and the exiting wire out. I am wondering why the exiting (load) wires are not hooked to the GFCI load terminals to pass through without requiring the pigtail and wire nuts.

Is this to avoid the current pass through to the GFCI receptical so a lower amp GFCI (15 versus 20 amp) is used to save money and to avoid the GFCI controlling the wire circuits downstream? Possibly to permit resetting the at the receptical switch that has tripped.

Thanks for help understanding the reason why.

Harold

Featured Answer

geniere

16 years ago

I can think of only one reason for wiring it in the manner you describe. GFCIÂs may trip out due to "electrical noise" even though the device generating the noise (motor with brushes, light dimmerÂ) is quite safe. Perhaps such a device was used downstream in the past.

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Comments (6)

itsunclebill
16 years ago
No clue why. Where is the GFCI and where are the rest of the receptacles on the circuit? The situation you describe isn't at all uncommon.

In the US all receptacles, including the GFCI type, are rated to be used on a 20 AMP circuit in a "pass through" configuration. Cost differences between a 15 AMP and 20 AMP GFCI wouldn't have been an issue because the components in the GFCI don't care about the circuit rating - it trips exclusively because of a ground fault and the 15 AMP variety will work just as well on a 15 AMP or 20 AMP circuit. Very often the only difference between the 2 types is the plastic cover containing the slots for the plug.
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I think i saw something that said just replace the first outlet on the circuit. Correct. One circuit comes into the kitchen from the living room. Should I put a GFCI on the first living room outlet? If they are all in series, I'd put it on the first one on that circuit in the kitchen. That way if it trips, you don't have to go to the LR to reset it (and the next owner won't have to wander around the house looking for it.) Other than cost, is there a disadvantage of using GFCI's throughout the kitchen? I wouldn't put one on the fridge receptacle. If you google for "installing GFCI" you should find plenty of information.
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All kitchen outlets must be GFCI protected, so you can either re-wire such that each outlet is downstream of a GFCI outlet, or change out all the outlets to GFCI. As far as "types," there are 15a and 20a outlets, but that's about it. You have to have at least two 20a (12ga wire) circuits feeding the kitchen outlets, but any individual outlet can be either a 15a or a 20a. Hope that helps.
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Yes it's fine but, the outdoor GFCI receptacle isn't necessary provided the downstream wiring is on the load side of the indoor GFCI. Not sure how long it's been there but, the code requires receptacles outdoors to be weather resistant. This post was edited by wirenut1110 on Fri, Jun 7, 13 at 7:05
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Thanks guys. The system consists of autonomous switch replacements throughout the house which 'listen' for pulses sent along the neutral line. Technology is called UPB and is very common in home automation. Effectively this would be like installing a nightlight replacement in the outlet or something like that. Very low power draw device that does not control any load. Admitted I don't understand the inner workings of the GFCI system. Home is 3 years old and there are probably 12 GFI outlets throughout the kitchen and island area. I just wanted to pull power from one of them, hoping to simply 'jump' or connect the gfci from this outlet as if it were never there. I appreciate the advice and warnings though. I certainly have no desire to make the home unsafe.
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normel
16 years ago
That is a common way to connect a GFCI receptacle when you do not want to protect the downstream receptacles, or when you want a second GFCI receptacle to be installed on the downstream line.
cobraguy
16 years ago
normel, why would you do that in that manner? Why wouldn't you just let the one GFCI control everything down stream? Maybe so you could have a more convenient reset location for the down stream receptacle? Just sounds like extra expense is all and made me curious.
brickeyee
16 years ago
Very few GFCIs have multiple screws on the line side.
If protection is NOT desired downstream about the only way to hook one up is with pigtails.
A few newer ones will accept two wires under the pressure plate.
hsur
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everyone for the information which help me understand the possible whys of using the pigtail and wire nuts. Looks like there are a few reasons to use this wiring method.

Thanks again

Harold

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