kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
I used to think that way, used to not provide GFCI to "dedicated outlets", especially when code still specifically allowed for it.
I have had about half dozen or so service calls over 30 years for refrigerators or freezers in a garage or unfinished basement that were shocking people or causing "regular" GFCI tripping. All of them had malfunction (ground fault on some internal component) and a missing/compromised EGC, or even really old units that only had a two wire cord. Had some of those where an appliance repair guy told them nothing was wrong with the appliance and that they needed to get an electrician to change out the GFCI - I come and prove to them they have something wrong with appliance and that GFCI is responding as it should.
Would you rather lose a loved one to electrocution or lose a freezer full of spoiled food?
They do make alarms/monitors to tell you the freezer is warm. It can get warm even if the receptacle supplying it is still live - you still lose contents in that situation. If you have enough $$ of food in there might be a good idea to have additional security of temperature maintenance. When power is lost you still often have "days" to do something about it with a full freezer before there is much of a loss.
I have a small freezer in my garage. One GFCI does all receptacles - including GDO. If GDO stops working it is sufficient enough alarm for the freezer not having power IMO. Neither draws enough that I have any concerns tripping the 20 amp branch breaker.
