The First Time External Gfci Outlets Were Used?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandated GFCI protection for outdoor receptacles in 1971, starting with the exterior of houses and swimming pool equipment. In 1978, it was limited to receptacles with direct grade access to dwellings, and by 1984, it was updated to include outlets within 15 feet of the pool wall. GFCI outlets were required in houses starting in 1971, and have since been required in dwelling-unit bathrooms and kitchen sinks.

The first significant inclusion of GFCI outlets in the NEC came in 1971, and they were initially only required around the exterior of homes and near swimming pools due to the shock hazard of proximity to moisture. Outdoor outlets within the pool area were required to be GFCI protected soon after, around 1972, and outdoor outlets in general in 1973.

In 2007, the 2008 NEC mandated all outdoor outlets must be GFCI protected. There are several ways to do this, but it must be done. Outdoor receptacles simply need GFCI protection, which can be accomplished by a local device or an upstream device such as another GFCI receptacle or GFCI. Any 15-amp, 20-amp, or 120-volt outdoor outlet must have GFCI protection, with at least one at the front of your house and one in the back.

Over the years, GFCI receptacles have been required in most municipalities, but some local codes may be different. If you notice GFCI outlets not being installed where they should be, it’s time to replace them with proper GFCI receptacles.

When were GFCI requirements established?

GFCI outlets, which have been in use since the 1960s, were first specified by the National Electrical Code for new construction in 1971. Initially, they were only required for exterior homes and near swimming pools due to the shock hazard of moisture proximity. Since then, they have been increasingly required in interior locations like kitchens and bathrooms. The National Electrical Code (NEC), followed in all 50 states, sets GFCI and other electrical safety regulations. The NEC is regularly updated to reflect safety developments and is written by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

How to tell if an outdoor outlet is GFCI?

Standard outlets are smaller and lack testing buttons, while GFCI outlets have buttons for function testing. Standard outlets are smaller and do not have testing buttons on the outlet face. GFCI outlets are reliable but can fail and require replacement. To test GFCI outlets, press the TEST button, which causes a snapping sound. A small device or voltage tester can be used to test if the outlet has shut off. After testing, press the RESET button to reset the outlet.

GFCI outlets are mandated for use in certain areas of the home by the National Electrical Code (NEC) due to their ability to reduce and prevent electrical shocks. Older homes may not have GFCI outlets, but newer homes have required them for decades.

When were GFCI outlets invented?

The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), first patented in 1965 by inventor Charles Dalziel, was a groundbreaking electrical safety technology designed to monitor the flow of an electrical current along a circuit and stop the flow of electricity if a fault is detected. This technology offered protection against electrocution and reduced the risk of electrical fire. However, the earliest options were limited and only offered in portable form or as a supplement to the panelboard.

In the early 1970s, the team recognized the need for additional iterations of Dalziel’s technology, and the first GFCI outlets were launched. The launch coincided with the evolving National Electrical Code (NEC) that sought to enhance electrical safety throughout the U. S. by requiring ground-fault protection in additional locations, starting with residential outdoor receptacles and followed by bathroom receptacles in 1975. Today, ground-fault protection is required in several areas of both residential and commercial spaces, including anywhere within six feet of a sink or water source.

When were GFCI outlets required outside?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has required the use of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in outdoor receptacles since 1971, with the addition of bathrooms in 1975. The ESFI indicates that the number of GFCIs has increased as a consequence of their efficacy in reducing electrocutions.

What year were GFCI outlets required in kitchens?

The National Electrical Code (NEC)-1971 expanded the requirements for GFCIs in seven additional sections, covering permitted uses for personnel protection, construction sites, marinas, boatyards, storable pools, and service disconnecting means. The first mention of GFCI protection for feeders supplying power to 15- and 20-ampere receptacle branch circuits was included in Sections 215-8 and 210-22(d). The NEC-1975 introduced indoor GFCI requirements for use in dwelling-unit bathrooms.

General requirements for GFCI protection for personnel are now located in Section 210. 8, which includes ten requirements for dwelling units, twelve requirements for other than dwelling units, and additional requirements for crawl space lighting outlets, specific appliances, equipment requiring servicing, and outdoor outlets.

In this issue, the authors discuss the many GFCI requirements the code-panels adopted for the NEC-2020, discussing proper installation methods for GFCI receptacles for individual load protection and downstream branch circuit protection. They also discuss GFCI basics, NEC-2020 changes, and how to install a GFCI circuit breaker safely and efficiently.

Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor GFCI?

Outdoor electrical outlets are protected by watertight covers and are required by the National Electrical Code to be GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets.

What year were grounded outlets required?

Three-prong plugs are not compatible with older two-prong receptacles and should be connected to a grounded cover screw or external ground when used as intended. In 1969, Underwriters Laboratories mandated three-prong plugs on major appliances for safety, but only half of US homes were three-prong at the time. In 1971, the US National Electrical Code (NEC) required grounded receptacles in all locations of the home.

In professional audio and video fields, the cheater plug has been identified as a serious safety problem. Its casual use as a method to avoid ground loops in analog audio and video signals is dangerous, as it can result in dangerous, high current flowing through audio or video cables. Bill Whitlock, president of Jensen Transformers, warns against using devices like 3 to 2-prong AC plug adapters to solve noise problems.

In laboratory settings, the cheater plug is also recognized as a safety hazard. In 2005, Tarun Mal, an associate professor at Cleveland State University, was electrocuted when he plugged a defective fluorescent lamp into a time switch using a cheater plug. The state of Ohio issued seven citations to the university for unsafe electrical conditions. Four of the University’s seven environmental safety experts agreed that use of the cheater plug is not uncommon in US university labs.

Are GFCI outlets required in older homes?

GFCI outlets are not always necessary in older homes, but they can enhance safety. Homes built before the 1970s often lack GFCI outlets in areas where they are now considered necessary. Many building codes now mandate GFCI protection to prevent electric shocks. If you live in an older home, it’s recommended to have a qualified electrician assess your electrical system to determine if adding GFCI outlets is necessary. Replacing regular outlets with GFCI is a cost-effective and straightforward way to enhance electrical safety without rewiring your home. Adding GFCI outlets is a wise investment in older homes.

Does an outdoor 240v outlet need to be GFCI?

New List Item (D) of the National Electric Code now requires ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for appliances, including HVAC equipment, indoor service equipment, and indoor equipment requiring dedicated equipment space. GFCI protection is also required on dwelling unit outdoor outlets supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground and 50 amperes or less (including 240-volt AC units).

Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel must be provided as required in 210. 8(A) through (E) (F), with the ground-fault circuit interrupter installed in a readily accessible location.

Specific appliances require GFCI protection in accordance with 422. 5(B) through (B), while branch circuits supplying vending machines must have GFCI protection in accordance with 422. 5(B) or (B). Equipment requiring servicing must also have GFCI protection. Outdoor outlets for dwellings supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less, must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection is not required on lighting outlets other than those covered in 210. 8(C).

Can any GFCI be used outdoors?

To ensure proper electrical safety, it is essential to inspect your current outlet to ensure it meets local building and electrical codes. Ensure the outlet is an outdoor rated GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and is weather-resistant. If not, replace it to ensure the best protection. The only exception is an indoor GFCI outlet that feeds through protection to a standard weather-resistant outlet outside the home.

Inspect the outlet for wear or corrosion, and if it appears ok, install a new one. Test the outlet by plugging a lamp or radio into it and pressing the “TEST” button. If all checks out, tighten the screws and ensure the outlet is not loose.

Ensure each outlet has a weather-resistant cover to protect it from the elements. These covers allow a plug to be inserted while still protecting the outlet, making them suitable for use with lawn equipment, pools, hot tubs, holiday lighting, and fountains. Leviton offers a full line of weather-resistant covers, including the NEW Extra Duty While In-Use Covers, made from durable, UV-resistant thermoplastic.

What is the difference between a GFCI and a GFI?

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are two terms that refer to the same device, albeit with slight variations in nomenclature. While both are commonly used, GFCI is more prevalent in technical literature.