first GFCI in the circuit location

[PoorOwner]

I was told changing the garage outlet on the ceiling to GFCI and was told needing a ladder to reset it is code violation?

Anyway, I am running a new circuit and first outlet needs to be GFCI. is there a height restriction for that as I would like to have the first outlet over 7 feet high, so a TV screen can plug into it. TV is adjacent to the outlet not covering it.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Not sure why needing a ladder to turn power back ON would be a problem. turning it off, sure - breaker box can do that though. have you considered a GFCI breaker?

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

u3b3rg33k is incorrect. It can't be on the ceiling as this is prohibited by the electrical code (see below). Alternates are to install a GFCI or CAFI (usually the same price) breaker for that circuit or put the GFCI outlet on the wall and have all the ceiling outlets later in the circuit.

NEC 210.8: "...shall be installed in a readily accessible location"
NEC Article 100 (definitions) for Accessible, readily: "“capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to actions such as to use tools, to climb over or remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders and so forth.”"

 

[alfredeneuman]

Circuit breakers are required to be readily accessible too and are limited to a height of not over 6'7"(2m)

EDIT: So it stands to reason that if you mount the GFI no higher than that it would be readily accessible, too.

 

[PoorOwner]

I don't want to spend $65 on a breaker, I guess I will just route the first outlet down at "normal" level and route the downstream back up there, I can fit the 6 wires in the conduit.

 

[dscheidt]

Not sure why needing a ladder to turn power back ON would be a problem.

Because the first time you need to use a ladder to reset it, it will be replaced with a regular outlet, and future users will not have the benefit of GFCI protection.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Because the first time you need to use a ladder to reset it, it will be replaced with a regular outlet, and future users will not have the benefit of GFCI protection.

i hear you, but by that logic i'd have replaced the breakers for my outdoor outlets with copper bars by now (what a pain it is to go inside and flip it). that hasn't happened yet.

u3b3rg33k is incorrect. It can't be on the ceiling as this is prohibited by the electrical code (see below). Alternates are to install a GFCI or CAFI (usually the same price) breaker for that circuit or put the GFCI outlet on the wall and have all the ceiling outlets later in the circuit.

NEC 210.8: "...shall be installed in a readily accessible location"
NEC Article 100 (definitions) for Accessible, readily: "“capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to actions such as to use tools, to climb over or remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders and so forth.”"

Not sure how my question was incorrect, but

anyways, seems having a locked panel box would violate those rules, too.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

i hear you, but by that logic i'd have replaced the breakers for my outdoor outlets with copper bars by now (what a pain it is to go inside and flip it). that hasn't happened yet.


Not sure how my question was incorrect, but

anyways, seems having a locked panel box would violate those rules, too.

Hes saying, that your notion that using a ladder to reset power isnt an issue, is incorrect.

 

[TRWham]

..

anyways, seems having a locked panel box would violate those rules, too.

Use of keys is a specific exception now in the 2017 edition.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Hes saying, that your notion that using a ladder to reset power isnt an issue, is incorrect.

Well it isn't a life safety issue - if you had to get to the ceiling to turn the power OFF, that's another matter entirely.
it certainly is a convenience issue, which is why I'm a fan of the GFCI breakers. then you go to one place -the panel box- to deal with all trips. with a QO plug on neutral panel, it's quick and clean (if not a bit spendy).

I've only encountered a few GFCI outlets that were 'problematic' most being the ones that trip out if power is switched off. that's just annoying.

 

[AntonLargiader]

with a QO plug on neutral panel, it's quick and clean (if not a bit spendy).

Not just QO; Homeline has PON as well.