GFI outlet hight?

[Truckone]

The first outlet on my circuit needs to be GFCI outlet. I'm running outlets along the top of my sidewalls. So the GFCI outlet will be about 16' off the ground. Is that ok? Or does it have to be lower for the inspector to look at it?
Thanks

 

[Norcal]

They have to be accessible so they cannot be up high, or behind equipment, cabinets, & such.

 

[Beemer533]

They have to be accessible so they cannot be up high, or behind equipment, cabinets, & such.

How does that work if There is a requirement for a gfci for a GDO outlet? Just curious..

 

[aandpdan]

How does that work if There is a requirement for a gfci for a GDO outlet? Just curious..

You can use a GFCI breaker or get a "blank face" GFCI receptacle that you mount somewhere first in line and make accessible.

 

[Truckone]

Thanks. Might do a blank face GFI
The plug was going to be up in the corner about where the garage door starts to bend back onto the rails

 

[Beemer533]

You can use a GFCI breaker or get a "blank face" GFCI receptacle that you mount somewhere first in line and make accessible.

Makes sense.. Didn't occur to me all..

 

[checkthisout]

What's a blank face gfci?

You mean one with no plug?

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Why not just mount it down low where you can actually get at it when you need to?

 

[aandpdan]

What's a blank face gfci?

You mean one with no plug?

Yes.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cooper-Wiring-Devices-20-Amp-125-Volt-GFCI-Self-Test-Blank-Face-GFCI-White-SGFD20W/206682900?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|G|0|G-VF-PLA-D27E-Electrical|&gclid=CK_2s8q1-8wCFQ9Zhgod7aAKvA&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[nehog]

They have to be accessible so they cannot be up high, or behind equipment, cabinets, & such.

I have several ceiling mounted outlet runs. In those I put GFCI outlets next to the breaker panel to protect them, labeled as to which they are for.

 

[Dustball]

So the GFCI outlet will be about 16' off the ground. Is that ok? Or does it have to be lower for the inspector to look at it?
Thanks

That's going to **** when you need to reset it when it trips.

 

[checkthisout]

I would just get breakers then. Fawk GFCI outlets, especially on a new install. They fail at 10x the rate of breakers.

You will always know where to go when you need to reset as well.

 

[Cmreschke]

I would just get breakers then. Fawk GFCI outlets, especially on a new install. They fail at 10x the rate of breakers.

Can you prove that inaccurate statement?

 

[checkthisout]

Can you prove that inaccurate statement?

Yes.

 

[Cmreschke]

Yes.

Do it then.

 

[Norcal]

My original post was done on my phone, & did not have access to the NEC then, the code section to back up my statement is 210.8 & applies to the 2011, 2014 editions.

 

[Eriehunter]

GFCI test. old article though. 2001

http://ecmweb.com/content/gfci-basics

 

[Cmreschke]

Thw above article says that breakers failure rate is 21%, and device failure rate was 19%. Also note some instances in Florida where the breaker failure rate was over 40%.

 

[Cmreschke]

Manufacturers aren't out there redesigning breakers and improving on them, but they are with the device which is more commonly used. So my point is with a breaker you are spending more for a design from at best early 2000ish, but with the gfi device the design and features are from only a few years ago at worst.

 

[nsula_country]

Not going to get in the food fight as to which is superior...

But I will recommend my choice. GFCI breaker over device...

And AFCI's are snake oil.

CT

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Cooper GFCI receptacle linked to above is $26.67. Siemens 20 amp Single Pole GFCI breaker is $46.97. Cheapest I saw was about $44 and they go way up from there.

I think the GFCI breakers are more reliable, if for no other reason than they are installed in a panelboard that is reasonably clean and dry. Receptacle should be also, but more likely to not be. Don't forget to add in possible additional wire to install the blank face GFCI in a suitable location, the cost of a box, and the additional labor or hassle of installation. GFCI breaker is rather easy in comparison.

Charles

 

[stage20]

you just cant run a regular gfi down low and then piggy back the outlet where you will be using it? gfi trips, that outlet trips. im not up onto the code but this sounds easier and cheaper than buying that blank face unit or an expensive breaker.