Should all garage outlets be GFCI?

[vern1]

yes unfortunate but true

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I figured you'd know to do that. You'd be surprised how many people don't read the instructions and die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Yeah, it's sad. And its not just from heaters but also BBQs and generators because they couldn't afford the electric bill!

 

[eljefino]

Also remember if you have a couple % voltage drop in your heater's extension cord... it's being converted to heat! That's the ultimate goal, right?

There may be a difference between "safe" and "High performance" in cord ratings, IOW, and your goal is merely to be safe.

 

[vern1]

Installed my 240 outlet and hooked up my heater and all works great! Thanks to you guys for your help.

Another question though. Can i install a 20 amp gfci on a 15 amp circuit or does that defeat the purpose?

Thanks

 

[Norcal]

Installed my 240 outlet and hooked up my heater and all works great! Thanks to you guys for your help.

Another question though. Can i install a 20 amp gfci on a 15 amp circuit or does that defeat the purpose?

Thanks

It will work but does not comply w/ code, the reverse is OK ,a 15A on a 20A is fine, but a 20A on a 15A does not comply w/ Table 210.21(B)(3).

 

[Stuart in MN]

It will work but does not comply w/ code, the reverse is OK ,a 15A on a 20A is fine, but a 20A on a 15A does not comply w/ Table 210.21(B)(3).

Remember that the original poster is in Canada although I assume the same applies there.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Another question though. Can i install a 20 amp gfci on a 15 amp circuit or does that defeat the purpose? Thanks

It will work but does not comply w/ code, the reverse is OK ,a 15A on a 20A is fine, but a 20A on a 15A does not comply w/ Table 210.21(B)(3).

This is, of course, assuming that Vern is asking about a GFCI receptacle and not a GFCI circuit breaker.

Not being able to install the 20 amp GFCI receptacle is due to the rating of the receptacle, and not the GFCI circuitry inside. It will work, but the sideways prong of a 20 amp device can be inserted in it, and thus possibly overloading the circuit, and tripping the circuit breaker.......... not that I've ever actually seen anything that had a 20 amp/120v plug on it.

Charles

 

[vern1]

I am talking about a receptacle not a breaker. I am mostly concerned about it working if a cord gets wet etc. I will only be using "standard" devices in the plug so am not really concerned about overloading the circuit but if that happens the breaker trips right?

I have the 20A gfci receptacle left over from a past project so would like to use it if it is a practical solution rather than have to go buy a 15A (but will if thats the best solution)

Thanks!

 

[pattenp]

As Charles said it's against code to use a 20A outlet on a 15A circuit regardless of being GFCI. You will need to use a 15A GFCI outlet.