Dead Front GFI

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This is one and it has many uses, most often I have installed them for spa tubs where the motor is not that easily accessed.
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It's just like a GFCI receptacle with no place to plug anything in.

Used for several different applications anywhere you want to use GFCI protection on part of a branch circuit. Like hydromassage tubs or under eave receptacles.
 
These type of GFCI devices are going to become more popular with the new 2008 requirement that the GFCI protection device for a hydromassage bathtub be readily accessible.

Here is the new wording in the 2008 NEC section 680.71

680.71 Protection.
Hydromassage bathtubs and their associated electrical components shall be on an individual branch circuit(s) and protected by a readily accessible ground-fault circuit interrupter. All 125-volt, single-phase receptacles not exceeding 30 amperes and located within 1.83 m (6 ft) measured horizontally of the inside walls of a hydromassage tub shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
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The bold is the new wording. This section also requires the hydromassage bathtub to be on an individual branch circuit.

Chris
 
blues said:
Could someone please tell me what a dead-front GFI is and what is it's application?
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We call them a "Faceless" GFCI

I install them next to the panel for soffit (x-mas) outlets as well as bubble tubs as mentioned above. Much cheaper then a GFCI breaker.
 
I mount them in an easily accessible location in commercial kitchens so large equipement does not have to be moved to reset. Not a stock item at my supply houses.
 
chris kennedy said:
I mount them in an easily accessible location in commercial kitchens so large equipement does not have to be moved to reset. Not a stock item at my supply houses.
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They are stocked in my area in white, ivory and light almond.
 
I have used them in houses for installing 3 prong recepts in houses with 2 wire romex wiring thats not daisy chained, and have oddball panels that you cant get GFCI breakers for by installing them by the panel and refeeding the circuit though them.
 
I saw a catalog page for one where the 'test' and 'reset' buttons were labeled 'on' and 'off', and the catalog page claimed that the device was suitable for regular use as a switch.

-Jon
 
mdshunk said:
It's an over-priced GFCI protective device.
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That has fewer parts than a 'normal' GFI. Go figure.....

Edit to add:

From P&S website, so you know what they look like:

DeadFrontGFI.jpg
 
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