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GFI required ?

Stuart in MN

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Sep 8, 2005
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Minneapolis
What is your opinion on using these "no name" products?

Saving a few buck up front to buy something that may or may not work, and certainly won't have any local support (if one fails, do you think the seller in China will warrantee it?) seems like a bad idea to me.
 
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Junkman

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Dec 18, 2006
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Northeastern CT
Been searching for a "name brand", and with so many consolidations, and name changes, it isn't easy. I did find one that poses an interesting question.. What is "end of life" for a GFIC receptacle? Below is a partial quote from the auction.

Our new Self-Test GFCI with Safelock Protection meets the 2015 UL standard, Which are:

•Prevents the unsafe condition of power without protection.
•An automatic test is conducted every five minutes, ensuring it is always ready to protect.
•If the device fails the test, the red indicator light flashes to signal that the GFCI should be replaced.
•It also has our proven SafeLock Protection feature: if critical components are damaged and protection is lost, power to the receptacle will be disconnected.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter(GFCI) Protects You From Electric Shock Due To:

1.With safe lock protection function, GFCI safety is improved. when miswired, GFCI outlets have no power and can not be reset, so it is more safe than conventional receptacle.

2.GFCI includes and end-of -life monitoring function, it can not reset correctly when GFCI reaches the end of life.

3.Improved resistance to surge and corrosion.

4.Easier installation.(installation instructions enclosed)
 

Norcal

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Mar 16, 2008
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13,765
I have seen a lot of GFIC receptacles on eBay that are selling for under $10 each, and are claimed to be UL listed, made in China. Most that I have seen, have no recognizable branding on them, such as Lutron, Leviton, Hubbell, etc.. What is your opinion on using these "no name" products?

If they are not Hubbell, Pass & Seymour, or Leviton, look elsewhere, I would not waste my time using off breed products.


Edit: The UL sticker is close to 100% likely to be counterfeit on eBay & other sources of off breed GFCI's.
 
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reader2580

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Dec 31, 2014
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Minneapolis, MN
Quality Leviton GFCI receptacles are $14 for one at Home Depot or $33 for three. I just bought one last weekend and gulped at the price, but I don't need three any time soon. They meet all current codes.
 

wyliesdiesels

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Aug 14, 2012
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Location
Modesto, CA
I have seen a lot of GFIC receptacles on eBay that are selling for under $10 each, and are claimed to be UL listed, made in China. Most that I have seen, have no recognizable branding on them, such as Lutron, Leviton, Hubbell, etc.. What is your opinion on using these "no name" products?

Stay away.

Your life is worth more than about $5(GFCIs at my home depot are about $15)...who knows if they will actually work when there is current leakage...
 
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Junkman

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Northeastern CT
Seems that the old ones are being sold less expensively, than the newer self testing units. Would you recommend buying the latest version? thanks
 
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