GFCI's

In preparation to sell my Northfield home, I been doing some work before a home inspector takes a look. One of them is bringing the ground fault interrupters up to current code. So far I'm at 6 receptacles and one breaker in the panel. Through the years I've done additions and always avoided the GFCI's since they can be such a PITA. Yes, I know the NEC is written to prevent injury but think about all the early years when we didn't even have equipment grounds!! I've been in the kitchen all day working on 2 20 amp circuits. I have learned the GFCI's do not like older under cabinet light fixtures. and would trip with the fixtures on the load side. So, the fixtures had to be wired line side before the GFCI's. Thankfully I'm in an area that requires thin wall conduit so pulling extra wire is pretty easy. I even ended up having to run the neutrals line side.

Come on Pete, I learned that lesson back in the late 80's on my first house remodel, lol. Also if run accordingly, any rcpt down line from that GFCI will also be protected.
Sounds like you are under contract, congrats!!

Orlando76 wrote:    how would it work without the neutral on line side if the hot went to line side?

I'm still feeding a neutral on the line side of all GFCI's. The isolation mentioned is for fixed lighting.

Orlando76 wrote: Fluorescent sometimes don't like gfic's.

It's the other way around. The GFCI's don't like the fluorescents!

For us low voltage technicians,why not put one in the breaker panel?

GFCI's = Earth Leakage Circuit breakers ???

If so we only require them on power point circuits in Australia.

Pete - Are you prepping for doomsday or heading north permanently?

Orlando76 wrote: I can't believe the guy giving me heat about the importance and safety of a trailer winch scoots by without gfic's.

Todd,
The house was completely gutted in the early 80's and got complete new electric. At that time GFCI's went in the baths and the garage. I remember the first thing I plugged into the garage was my Porter Cable belt sander. The GFCI didn't like it so it was swapped out. That outlet is now behind a freezer so it's exempt. All the outlets I added in the garage are now protected. The basement outlets (with the exception of the alarm which is exempt) are now protected. Then of course the kitchen outlets I just finished.

8122pbrainard wrote: SNobsessed wrote: Pete - Are you prepping for doomsday or heading north permanently? The plan is a permanent move. North woods here I come!!

Living the dream Pete. Sounds great!

8122pbrainard wrote: In preparation to sell my Northfield home, I been doing some work before a home inspector takes a look.

Next step tomorrow will be a simple one. Install 4 "while in use" covers on the exterior outlets.

It's gotta read the return current otherwise how would it know it faulted to ground?

It never could Pete. That jumper can't reference anything alone. Takes two to tango. The old ones never worked that way. Sure they pumped out juice but if you faulted ground it'll juice keep pumping, not tripping at the old requirement of 5 mili-amp.

where did you get those shoes?

Orlando76 wrote: It's gotta read the return current otherwise how would it know it faulted to ground?

Todd,
After thinking about it, you are correct.