Wiring ok switch to GFI

[AP514]

I looking at wiring from CB to a SWITCH then going to a GFI outlet. from the GFI going to 2-3 small Florescent lights then finally to another outlet.

Just wondering if that is kosher....

20A CB--- 12/3 wire

Note-- this is for upper storage area in my Garage...outlets do not need power when Im not up there..

 

[Ironhorse]

That is fine....and I think you mean 12/2? ( the ground is not counted in romex) not sure why the switch comes before your outlets..unless your switching everything, but in any case what ever you put before your GFCI gets put on your LINE side ( black to gold and white to silver screws) what ever comes after your GFCI is your LOAD side....really from what you described...15amp is fine...but since your wiring it for 20amp might as well buy a 20amp GFCI. Do not forget that your trip rating is less then your breaker so I would not be plugging in a deep freezer and such...best of luck! ( and they do make GFCI breakers which is just a little bit more then the 20amp outlet.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

That is fine....and I think you mean 12/2? ( the ground is not counted in romex) not sure why the switch comes before your outlets..unless your switching everything, but in any case what ever you put before your GFCI gets put on your LINE side ( black to gold and white to silver screws) what ever comes after your GFCI is your LOAD side....really from what you described...15amp is fine...but since your wiring it for 20amp might as well buy a 20amp GFCI. Do not forget that your trip rating is less then your breaker so I would not be plugging in a deep freezer and such...best of luck! ( and they do make GFCI breakers which is just a little bit more then the 20amp outlet.

A duplex GFI receptacle on a 20 amp circuit is quite legal. No need to spend the money on a 20 amp (NEMA 5-20) GFI receptacle. All 15 amp GFI receptacles have a 20 amp rated pass thru to the load side.

Charles

 

[raddksn]

I don't know if this is still the case but in the past I have came across GFCI recepticals when the power was off then restored it would trip the GFCI.

 

[pattenp]

If all of the outlets on this circuit are in the upper/attic storage area and only serving that area then no GFCI is required.

 

[Speedy Petey]

That is fine....and I think you mean 12/2? ( the ground is not counted in romex) not sure why the switch comes before your outlets..unless your switching everything, but in any case what ever you put before your GFCI gets put on your LINE side ( black to gold and white to silver screws) what ever comes after your GFCI is your LOAD side....really from what you described...15amp is fine...but since your wiring it for 20amp might as well buy a 20amp GFCI. Do not forget that your trip rating is less then your breaker so I would not be plugging in a deep freezer and such...best of luck! ( and they do make GFCI breakers which is just a little bit more then the 20amp outlet.

Ironhorse, this post is very misleading.

To add to Charles' reply, the rating of the GFI receptacle is NOT a trip rating as in overcurrent like a circuit breaker. The rating of the GFI has NOTHING to do with the rating of the circuit. It has to do with the rating of EACH of the two receptacles on the face. Meaning, a 15A GFI receptacles is TWO 15A receptacles on a single device yoke.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Ironhorse, this post is very misleading.

To add to Charles' reply, the rating of the GFI receptacle is NOT a trip rating as in overcurrent like a circuit breaker. The rating of the GFI has NOTHING to do with the rating of the circuit. It has to do with the rating of EACH of the two receptacles on the face. Meaning, a 15A GFI receptacles is TWO 15A receptacles on a single device yoke.

I didn't really catch what he was saying till you brought it up. Indeed, a GFI is NOT an overload circuit breaker, rather it is what its name says, a ground fault interrupter. If it sees a ground fault, it opens. Nothing to do with the load passing thru it.

When I made my first reply I guess I was thinking everyone knew what a GFI is.

Charles

 

[Executive]

GFCI operates by comparing the current on the ungrounded (hot) conductor with the current on the grounded (neutral) conductor. If there is more than 5 mA difference, the GFCI opens. This difference is assumed to be a "ground fault" or "leak" of current which may be passing through a person. GFCI is installed for protection of personnel.

Chris

 

[AP514]

If all of the outlets on this circuit are in the upper/attic storage area and only serving that area then no GFCI is required.

ok the reason for the GFI is because the lights are only 6-7 feet above floor...think 8 feet is the MIN for code ? and I think other poster is correct about 12/2(3 wire). Im not running ROMEX but MC..due to my house and garage are all STEELFRAME. As for the Switch I see no reason for power going in attic outlets/lights if no one is up there.