skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Question About Proper GFCI Wiring In Kitchen

6 years ago

Hello, I am attempting to change 2 recepticles in my kitchen and I have a question if it is possible and what is the correct way to install. If you look at the attached picture, you can see the current wiring (top) and then what I'm trying to accomplish (after). The reason I'm asking is I'm trying to determine if a) I will have proper GFCI protection and b) which terminals I should be connected to on each recepticle.

FYI, I am using Leviton outlets.

Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

Ron Natalie

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Snappower may not work. The thing makes contact with a normal receptacle's screws which are centered on the device. GFCIs tend to have screws at the top and bottoms or back connections so they can accommodate both line and load connections.

They make a version of the nightlight cover that works with GFCI screws, but I don't see that for the charger one.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (19)

greg_2015
6 years ago
The "New USB 15A regular outlet" will not be GFCI protected without either:

(1) Running another cable between the GFCI outlet and the new USB outlet, or

(2) Changing the breaker to a GFCI breaker and getting rid of the GFCI outlet
0
gil_happy
Original Author
6 years ago
Oh wow, ok. Thank you for your quick reply - that's what I was wondering.
0
Related Discussions
Question about using a portable GFCI plug
Q
Comments (4)
They are certainly better than nothing. Put it first in the chain, hopefully you don't have the outlet too loaded up. Whilst the fountain is the most obvious source of trouble, there's no reason why anything else plugged in can't cause an issue. Consider also, how cheap the permanent outlets are, between $10-$20 ea, and the beauty of them is that, correctly installed (there is a "line" and "load" side to them, which will allow you to protect the other outlets downstream from it - that may mean you put it into an odd place like a hall or something closer to the panel, but it will protect everything else downstream from there. If you want to keep it simple you can just put it where it's needed though, it is a simple job for anyone who knows enough to safely replace an outlet. Of course, if you are not confident, or your local codes don't permit DIY, get someone in to do it. YMMV.
...See More
Wiring fan switch to the load side of GFCI outlet question.
Q
Comments (10)
Thank you very much for your help. Yes, you are right. It does sound like that he wired the fan to the master bedroom circuit and now moved the whole mess to the load side of GFI. I don't think he'll come back and redo the work. I waited him for more than 15 days before he came back and wired the fan switch to the load side of GFI. His expression told me he was very unhappy to come back and do the work. Although I paid him $1000 just for the labor of installing one fan and replacing another fan, material fees are separate. And no drywall repairment at all. I'll spend another $1400 for repairment of the drywall cut by the HVAC contractor for the fan installation and replacement. The circuit on the main panel that controls master bathroom also controls master bedroom, hallway, hallway bathroom, and another bedroom. So I think instead of putting a GFCI breaker on the main panel, it's better to wire the fan switch to the load side of GFI. But I did not expect it also affects the electricity in the master bedroom. I may have another electrician to fix it in the future after the drywall is repaired. Is it a big electric job? Thank you veru much for your recommendation of a good book. I'll buy and read it.
...See More
simple question about two GFCIs on one line
Q
Comments (1)
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
...See More
Question about wire in conduit
Q
Comments (2)
The simple answer is that you must buy individual lengths of each color for wires that are #6 and smaller. Identification of Grounded condutors; 200.6 Identification of Grounding conductors; 250.119 Identification of Ungrounded conductors; 310.12 Identification of Feeders; 215.12 Identification for Branch Circuits 210.5 Reidentification of white insulation 200.7
...See More
gil_happy
Original Author
6 years ago
Do you happen to know what the electrical code is for receptacles in and around kitchen counter tops? It may be that the "New USB 15A" does not GFCI coverage if it is far enough away from the sink, etc (but still on the kitchen counter top).
0
greg_2015
6 years ago
Assuming you aren't looking to run new cable, (2) is your only real option.

BTW - When I said "get rid of the GFCI outlet", I meant that you'd use a regular outlet instead of GFCI.

The only downside to this situation (other than the fact that GFCI breakers cost more than GFCI outlets) is that if the GFCI trips, you have to go to the basement to reset it instead of just pushing the RESET button on the GFCI outlet.
0
greg_2015
6 years ago
All counter top receptacles need to be GFCI protected.
0
greg_2015
6 years ago
And I'm assuming the "New USB 15A" receptacle is the type with USB outlets AND regular outlets for plugs?

It's not JUST USB outlets, is it?
0
gil_happy
Original Author
6 years ago
Correct... I am not looking to run a new cable. Thanks for the info about counter top receptacles. My apologies - I should have mentioned that the the "new USB 15A" receptacle is "both" USB and regular outlet for plugs. It sounds like I should see if Leviton sells a GFCI receptacle with USB & regular outlets.
0
greg_2015
6 years ago
I doubt that they would. The components for GFCI take up a lot of room and the components for USB take up a lot of room. Put them together and they probably wouldn't fit in a box.
0
gil_happy
Original Author
6 years ago
That's correct... from looking on their web site, it does not look like they do.
0
greg_2015
6 years ago
I guess option (3) could be to replace the box where the current GFCI outlet is with a double-ganged box so that it can house both the GFCI outlet AND the new USB outlet.

But if this is in a tiled backsplash, that may not really be feasible.
0
gil_happy
Original Author
6 years ago
Yep, it is tiled back-splash and definitely not worth it. Thanks for all of your help.
0
greg_2015
6 years ago
No problem!
0
Mike C
6 years ago
In picture 1 where you show standard outlet connected (properly) to GFCI outlet, place the USB outlet in place of the standard outlet.
0
greg_2015
6 years ago
I would assume that the spot where they like to charge their devices is located where the current GFCI is.

Putting a USB outlet in the other spot may be behind their coffee maker or whatever. Not very handy.
0
DavidR
6 years ago
If you want that USB receptacle in that very box, you'll need a GFI ahead of it. One option besides a GFI breaker is to put a dead front (no receptacles) GFI near the panel, and connect the homerun to your first kitchen box to the load side of the dead front GFI.

Dead front GFIs are cheaper than GFI breakers, but whether they're really a bargain in this case depends on how you value your time.
0
mtvhike
6 years ago
One problem with GFI breakers is that if it gets tripped (especially by a guest), resetting it may be difficult.
0
Ron Natalie
6 years ago
The other issue with new work is that kitchens are no longer exempt from AFCI protection requirements. This may preclude also putting a GFCI breaker in the panel. You'd have to use a dual function AFCI/GFCI in. If you think the GFCI breaker was expensive...
0
User
6 years ago
https://www.snappower.com/
0

Related Stories

WORKING WITH PROS Everything You Need to Know About Working With a Kitchen Designer

By Gwendolyn Purdom

Enlisting an experienced pro can take your kitchen project to the next level. Here’s how to make the most of it

KITCHEN DESIGN 7 Tricky Questions to Ask When Planning Your New Kitchen

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Addressing these details will ensure a smoother project with personalized style

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

KITCHEN LIGHTING How to Properly Light Your Kitchen Counters

By David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com

Discover these 6 professional tips for lighting your countertops and other kitchen workspaces

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Making Over a Rental for About $1,500

By Becky Harris

Fresh paint, new hardware, added storage, rugs and unexpected touches breathe new life into a Los Angeles apartment’s kitchen

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Houzz Call: What Did Your Kitchen Renovation Teach You About Budgeting?

By Erin Carlyle

Cost is often the biggest shocker in a home renovation project. Share your wisdom to help your fellow Houzzers

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Pros Field Your Questions About Outdoor Lighting

By Amanda Pollard

Find out what to consider when illuminating your landscape for safety and ambiance

MOST POPULAR 19 Kitchen Projects Every Homeowner Should Know About

By Mitchell Parker

Could your kitchen use a new sink, a backsplash, updated hardware, better organization, a good cleaning? Here's how to get started

KITCHEN DESIGN Sink Into 12 Kitchens That Are Serious About Their Books

By Annie Thornton

See how these precious possessions are showcased in this popular room

EXTERIORS Pros Answer Your Questions About Metal-Frame Doors

By Julie Butterworth

Find out what to consider when adding these chic, industrial-style interior and exterior doors

Sponsored

Fine Designs & Interiors, Ltd.

28 Reviews

Columbus Leading Interior Designer - Best of Houzz 2014-2022

More Discussions

Glow effect on portico ceiling

14

Is Hubbell the only UL listed pop-up outlet for NYC Kitchen island?

4

Killing electric outlet behind cabinet

4

Why would only one outlet be working and no others on the same breaker

4

Mystery circuit breaker keeps tripping

3