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doncaruana

huge gfci circuit

doncaruana
11 years ago

My house was built in 1994 and I'm not exactly sure what the code was back then, but I'm pretty sure this isn't right in today's standards. I have a GFCI outlet in my master bath. This is the first outlet on the circuit. However, there are 13 other outlets on that circuit as well. They are for 2 other bathrooms (so far so good - I think that's still code). But also on that circuit are 4 (unfinished) basement outlets, 2 garage outlets, and 3 outside outlets. Is that up to code? Was it ever? Shouldn't the bathrooms be on one circuit and everything else on another?

Comments (3)

  • Ron Natalie
    11 years ago

    That used to be allowed. It's no longer allowed now but not for any reason with respect to the GFCI. The code now requires bathroom receptacles to be separated out on their own 20A circuit with very limited exceptions for other things being on that circuit.

  • mike_kaiser_gw
    11 years ago

    Building codes constantly change and back in 1994 the code regarding bathroom was less restrictive and GFCIs were far more expensive. I had a house built around the same time whose master bathroom was served by a GFCI in the garage.

    Obviously you can change things if you want, otherwise you're "grandfathered."

  • brickeyee
    11 years ago

    "this isn't right in today's standards"

    You only have to meet the code in effect when the circuit was installed (or the house built).
    Every old installation is grandfathered as long as it meets the code when it was installed.

    some areas have exceptions for bathroom receptacles and kitchen counter receptacles.

    Since a GFCI can be added even on a 2-wire circuit (they do not actually require ground to operate correctly) many AHJs require those upgrades.

    There are a varying times when they step in to enforce, with remodel (often any time an electrical permit is puled for anything) or sale being common events that trigger the requited upgrade.