Code require GFCI receptacle in attic?

[5mall5nail5]

Any code in place dictating GFI/GFCI receptacle/circuit in attic? I need to plug a router in (networking) but want to do it right. Any thoughts?

Thanks all

 

[rockwithjason]

i couldn't find anything about that in the code. if it's there they hid it well. i would have no reservation with a standard outlet in the attic.

 

[mrjaw14]

If in doubt, do it the safer way. Having said that, I've never seen a GFCI in an atic

 

[ishiboo]

Any code in place dictating GFI/GFCI receptacle/circuit in attic? I need to plug a router in (networking) but want to do it right. Any thoughts?

Thanks all

Discussed in length already @ MikeHolt. let me Google that for you!

 

[5mall5nail5]

I did read the threads at Mike Holt but didn't find anything conclusive other than it isn't "necessarily" called out in code (though some people interpret it as such) and that some inspectors require it and some don't....

 

[ishiboo]

I did read the threads at Mike Holt but didn't find anything conclusive other than it isn't "necessarily" called out in code (though some people interpret it as such) and that some inspectors require it and some don't....

That's exactly it. It is not listed as a location requiring a GFCI, so it is not required by the NEC. A local inspector could irrationally demand you stand on your head and wave a flag to pass inspection, that's unfortunately going to be a local issue.

You can pick up cheap GFCIs for $5-7. If you're worried put one in. If not, put a regular outlet in. I would install a regular outlet.

 

[Speedy Petey]

GFI protection is NOT required in attics.

 

[cagullett1]

FWIW, my house was finished January 2013 and there is no GFCI in the attic.

 

[MFortie]

Wasn't required for our two remodels we wrapped up last February.

Your AHJ could be different though...

 

[cort]

In my county, the electrical inspector is fairly homeowner friendly. Yours might be too. Get his number and call your local electrical inspector. Ask what your municipality requires.

 

[5mall5nail5]

So is it safe to assume that if no GFCI is required, then UF-B direct burial type cable is not either? I just realized that a few runs in my attic are using UF-B. There's also yellow 12 gauge romex, so its not consistent - maybe they just had extra UF-B? I ran white 14 gauge romex for my 15A circuit.

I put a network switch/router/punch panel in my attic (ignore velcro power strip, is temporary) and needed a 120v circuit that wasn't switched. There was a nice receptacle installed but it was on the same switch as the attic lighting.


Attic patch panel by Jon Kensy, on Flickr

 

[Falcon67]

Nice. A switch wouldn't last a summer around here in an attic. Just looking at a Netgear 1G and the max temp is 122F. Our attic runs well outside that range. Think 1600 sq ft turkey baster.

 

[C96]

Any code in place dictating GFI/GFCI receptacle/circuit in attic? I need to plug a router in (networking) but want to do it right. Any thoughts?

Thanks all

Yes, if you have a sink in your attic and the receptacle is within 6’ of it…LOL

 

[brownbagg]

within five feet of water

 

[CoopVA]

GFI not needed in an attic. Wouldn't put a router in an attic... Up high in a closet would be better...

 

[jmarkwolf]

I guess it's "what" is defined as an attic.

I just had my final electrical inspection of my new detached 2-story garage in Southeast Michigan a couple days ago. Attic trusses with a 36" wide staircase along one wall.

The inspector made a point to check if the single upstairs duplex outlet was a GFCI. It was.

He only "stabbed" one other outlet in the building, and tested the GFCI.

He checked the 3-way lights over the staircase, and really liked the fact that I had labeled the circuit breakers in the panel.

Took a grand total of about 3 minutes, and issued my pass.

 

[C96]

within five feet of water

Check again, NEC 2011 Article 210.8 (A)(7) states 6’ from sinks outside edge.

 

[BigGMC]

I wouldn't do it just for the simple fact of poor access to reset it........

 

[ishiboo]

Nice. A switch wouldn't last a summer around here in an attic. Just looking at a Netgear 1G and the max temp is 122F. Our attic runs well outside that range. Think 1600 sq ft turkey baster.

I wouldn't be worried about heat as much as I would condensation in an unconditioned space

I'm building an enclosure for my furnace and network gear as I now have about 25 runs in my attic.