shed

[SGKent]

I have an outdoor Tuff Shed that has power to it. There are lights in it (120V), one 120V plug in circuit, and two 240V compressors on individual circuits. It is fed from a main panel in the house to a sub-panel in the shed. Would the best GFCI solution be to put a GFCI breaker into the main panel rather than install individual ones in the sub-panel. The work was done 20+ years ago although I switched out the breakers in the sub-panel last summer because they were not certified for that sub-panel although the supply house provided them with the panel at the time.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Only if you want to be in the dark when it trips.

Imagine running a wood saw and all of a sudden having the lights go out.

Point of use GFCI would be better

 

[SGKent]

Only if you want to be in the dark when it trips.

Imagine running a wood saw and all of a sudden having the lights go out.

Point of use GFCI would be better

If I add a GFCI to the 120V outlet will that suffice, or do I need to protect the whole panel which includes the lights and compressors? They are plug in with factory UL approved 240V connectors, and not hard wired. There is no other equipment in the shed - it is only 10x8. The lights are rarely used. If the power went out to it no one would ever be in it working. The compressors would die but no other equipment.

 

[Norcal]

There is no requirement for sheds/ outbuildings/ shops to have GFCI protection for 240V equipment and unless the lights are cord and plug connected they do not require GFCI protection either. All 120 volt receptacles in those locations do require GFCI protection.

The above does not apply in Massachusetts or any future area that adopts the 2020 NEC.

 

[SGKent]

Sounds like the easiest then is to replace the receptacle with a GFCI. Lights have cages over them, and they operate off a standard wall switch near the door.