Are GFCI Outlets Really needed?

[Freed]

I picked up a wire from one of my live end caps that was on the bare concrete floor in the basement. The floor was wet but I didn't think anything would happen as the wires weren't bare or cut. WRONGO! Just as I touched the wire to pick it up I get zappied. I also instantly heard a POP!! at the exact same time which was the GFCI tripping that I had everything plugged into. Possibly saved my life.

 

[mm949]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7468012#post7468012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jdhanover
"Match the amps" - I will have 2 20 amp circuits; the GFCI are rated 15 - is that not OK?

thats fine if you only run 12amps on each outlet....

 

[johj26]

well tecnically by code you have to install them anywere theres water source nearby or damp locations outside there required to.and yes if the first out in series is gci all the rest are protected.they do have to be properly wired and grounded to actually work correctly though.gfi breakers do cost more but are more reliable overall and your almost sure of a good ground in the m,ain box.theres really no such thing as nuisance tripping a breaker or gfi outlet onlky ktrip if there is some problem.tkhey do kneed to be excersised yearly just like other breakers should to make sure they will operate correctly to

 

[jjjimmy]

I just thought of another option that I used when I had the electrical installed in my equiptment room. Instead of installing all GFCI outlets, I had a GFCI circuit breaker installed in my power panel for the outlets in the room.

 

[gkq325286]

The other day I was in the fishroom working on a redo of a lighting fixture. I thought I unplugged it. Then I stuck a screw driver in the MH socket to unscrew it from the mounting braked. Pop went the GFI. Not only do they protect against water, but stupidity as well

 

[mm949]

gfci breakers are nice but unless u are running multiple circuits one trip and everything running goes out...with individual GFCI outlets you dont have to worry if a pump or a light trip one outlet...as long as your pump and lights are not plugged into the same outlet....