GFI in the garage

[Junkman]

Do I need to put the electrical outlets that are mounted on the ceiling for the garage door operators, a couple of LED fixtures, on a GFI circuit breaker?
If I add a pull down drop light, can that be on the same circuit, or should that one be on its own GFI breaker? thanks Junk

 

[WP9]

Current NEC code requires ALL outlets in the garage to be GFCI protected. That includes the garage door opener outlets.

It's your decision whether you put a pull down light on the same circuit. Shouldn't be any problems with both the opener and light together drawing enough current to trip the breaker.

Make sure the GFCI for the garage door opener is located in a convenient place where you can access it from standing on the floor. Putting the GFCI in the ceiling would make resetting it an inconvenience.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Putting a GFCI outlet on the ceiling would also be against code since its not easily accessable.

 

[teal95]

Went through this with my inspector. As stated, code requires all outlets in a garage to be GFCI. The GFCI is also required to be accessible. I asked if he wanted me to put a GFCI outlet before the light switches to feed all the lighting. He said no, he was fine with unprotected outlets on the ceiling.

 

[Kaizen]

Putting a GFCI outlet on the ceiling would also be against code since its not easily accessable.

I will have two outlets on ceiling for power cord reels. I put a gfci on it as I can definitely see the need even more then the wall outlets. Figured a pole with a tip could reset it if tripped.


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[dscheidt]

I will have two outlets on ceiling for power cord reels. I put a gfci on it as I can definitely see the need even more then the wall outlets. Figured a pole with a tip could reset it if tripped.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

the right way to do it is either a GFCI breaker, or a deadfront GFCI on the wall.

It's my understanding the 2020 code cycle requries 240V garage outlets to be GFCI, but I've not reviewed the new book.

 

[Norcal]

the right way to do it is either a GFCI breaker, or a deadfront GFCI on the wall.

It's my understanding the 2020 code cycle requries 240V garage outlets to be GFCI, but I've not reviewed the new book.

From what I have seen at Mike Holt only MA has adopted the 2020.



As others have said, all receptacles in a garage need GFCI protection and the GFCI needs to be accessible. Don't buy cheap plug in lights & hard wire the lights, then the GFCI requirement goes away for the lighting.