GFCI and Switched Outlets

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Little Bill

Little Bill

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Semi-Retired Electrician
I know receptacles in garages have to be GFCI protected, including the door opener receptacle. But what about receptacles at/in the ceiling (just open trusses) that are switched for lights to be plugged in. These would be the only lights in the garage.
 
agree with don
one substantiating reason would be a pull down cord reel/light/receptacle mounted to the ceiling
 
As I understand it, the code requires GFCI for every outlet in a garage, because it might be used for outside work. Even a DIY might unplug power to a garage opener.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
They are still receptacles and they are still in the garage, I am not aware of anything that would permit you to omit the required GFCI protection.
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augie47 said:
agree with don
one substantiating reason would be a pull down cord reel/light/receptacle mounted to the ceiling
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I installed the GFCI, just wondered if it was required since it was just for lights. There are GFCI receptacles all around the wall. I don't think anyone is going to drag a 12' ladder over to plug in something. It's not like receptacles are everywhere in the ceiling, they are just at light locations, and only enough receptacles for the amount of lights.
 
I know for GFCI protection height is not a consideration, but can one safely argue that these are lighting/receptacle outlets? especially given their above 12' high?
 
What's the ladder made out of? Wood, fiberglass, or aluminum?.................. I don't know about you, but I would sure hate to get electrical shock while up on a 12 foot aluminum ladder. Attorney is near the very front of the Yellow Pages................
 
mtnelect said:
As I understand it, the code requires GFCI for every outlet in a garage, because it might be used for outside work. Even a DIY might unplug power to a garage opener.
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It does not require GFCI protection for every outlet, it only requires GFCI protection for receptacles. There is a huge difference in the NEC between the defined terms of "outlet" and "receptacle".
 
Little Bill said:
I installed the GFCI, just wondered if it was required since it was just for lights. There are GFCI receptacles all around the wall. I don't think anyone is going to drag a 12' ladder over to plug in something. It's not like receptacles are everywhere in the ceiling, they are just at light locations, and only enough receptacles for the amount of lights.
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So submit a PI for the 2026 code to address this, but doubt that CMP 2 would accept it.
 
There is an exception that would allow this. 210.8 Ex. (1) through (3) (garages are #2) If you used a twist-lock receptacle with compatible fittings installed for luminaires and ceiling fans. That's the only exception that i see there.
 
Rick 0920 said:
There is an exception that would allow this. 210.8 Ex. (1) through (3) (garages are #2) If you used a twist-lock receptacle with compatible fittings installed for luminaires and ceiling fans. That's the only exception that i see there.
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That must be in the 2020 or 23 code as I don't see it in the 2017.
 
Little Bill said:
That must be in the 2020 or 23 code as I don't see it in the 2017.
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I see it in my 2020 NEC, and it's not shaded as showing revised or new material. I wonder why if it's not in the 2017 it doesn't show it as a revision in 2020? The exception is way down at the bottom after #10 (laundry areas)
 
Rick 0920 said:
There is an exception that would allow this. 210.8 Ex. (1) through (3) (garages are #2) If you used a twist-lock receptacle with compatible fittings installed for luminaires and ceiling fans. That's the only exception that i see there.
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That exception is not for a twist lock receptacle. It is for this type of device that provides both power and support for luminaires or fans. It does as new material in the 2020 Link version of the code.
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Little Bill said:
I installed the GFCI, just wondered if it was required since it was just for lights. There are GFCI receptacles all around the wall. I don't think anyone is going to drag a 12' ladder over to plug in something.
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Is the GFCI receptacle at 12' AFF? If so that's not readily accessible.
 
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So all those receptacles 20 feet up in the ceiling of my garage that my high bay lights are plugged into require GFCI protection?
 
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