GFCI is a receptacle

[marcosgue]

Hello friends, I was a friendly discussion with an electrician that says the receptacles are singles and doubles regular receptacles but not the GFCI, he says the GFCI is not a receptacle and I told him the receptacle definition according to the nec include a GFCI as different type of receptacle device. Is that correct?

 

[romex jockey]

possibly in the sense that one can introduce only one circuit to a gfci ?

~RJ~

 

[roger]

From the UL White Book category KCXS

Receptacle GFCIs
Some GFCIs include flush receptacles and are intended to be installed in an outlet box for fixed installation on a branch circuit similar to a conventional receptacle.

Receptacle-type GFCIs for use in wet and damp locations in accordance with Articles 406 of the NEC are identified by the words ‘‘Weather Resistant’’ or the letters ‘‘WR’’ where they will be visible after installation with the cover plate secured as intended.
Weather-resistant receptacle-type GFCIs installed in wet locations are intended to be installed within an enclosure that is weatherproof, whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.

Receptacle-type GFCIs intended for use where tamper-resistant receptacles are required by the NEC are identified by the words ‘‘Tamper Resistant’’ or the letters ‘‘TR’’ located where they will be visible after installation with the cover plate removed.

Receptacle-type GFCIs that have additionally been found to meet appropriate receptacle requirements are marked ‘‘Hospital Grade’’ and/or ‘‘CO/ ALR.’’

Receptacle-type GFCIs with receptacles rated 15 or 20 A that are provided with more than one set of terminals for the connection of line and neutral conductors are suitable for through wiring on 20 A branch circuits. The standard horsepower ratings for specific general-use receptacle configurations are also applicable to the receptacle portion of a GFCI employing the same receptacle configuration.

See Receptacles for Plugs and Attachment Plugs (RTRT) for further information.

Seems to me UL recognizes GFCI receptacles.

 

[NTesla76]

If it's not a receptacle, then what is it?

 

[Fred B]

Hello friends, I was a friendly discussion with an electrician that says the receptacles are singles and doubles regular receptacles but not the GFCI, he says the GFCI is not a receptacle and I told him the receptacle definition according to the nec include a GFCI as different type of receptacle device. Is that correct?

In the strictest sense a GFCI receptacle is simply a receptacle (duplex or single) with Ground Fault protection built into it not the receptacle itself (sort of) as opposed to a GFCI breaker in the panel protecting all the receptacles and other outlets and wiring of the branch circuit. Also GF protection can be acheived by a blank face GFCI (or switch rated not a receptacle) to protect downstream outlets. Both of you are partially correct.

 

[GoldDigger]

In the same way, you can argue (wrongly) that a duplex receptacle with built-in USB charging ports is not a receptacle.
The only statement I will agree with and support is that a GFCI receptacle is not JUST a receptacle.

 

[K8MHZ]

NEC's definition of a receptacle is what counts the most on this site. If it is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug, it is a receptacle. GFCI or not.

 

[Jraef]

Maybe this will help?

The term GFCI means "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter". It refers to a DEVICE FUNCTION that both detects a ground fault condition, AND interrupts the flow of current in the circuit.

GFCI functionality can be built into a receptacle, it can also be built into a device that FITS into a receptacle box, but has no actual receptacle slots in it (called a "Dead Front" or "Blank Face" GFCI outlet).

The one on the right is a GFCI receptacle, the one on the left is a Dead Front GFCI.
(used as an example, I do not know why someone would have both in the same box...)

It can also be built into a circuit breaker that feeds an entire circuit full of receptacles, in which case the receptacles can all look standard.

And lastly, there are also GFCIs that are built into cords on pieces of equipment.

ALL of these things can be referred to as "GFCIs"

 

[Fred B]

Maybe this will help?

The term GFCI means "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter". It refers to a DEVICE FUNCTION that both detects a ground fault condition, AND interrupts the flow of current in the circuit.

GFCI functionality can be built into a receptacle, it can also be built into a device that FITS into a receptacle box, but has no actual receptacle slots in it (called a "Dead Front" or "Blank Face" GFCI outlet).

The one on the right is a GFCI receptacle, the one on the left is a Dead Front GFCI.
(used as an example, I do not know why someone would have both in the same box...)

It can also be built into a circuit breaker that feeds an entire circuit full of receptacles, in which case the receptacles can all look standard.

And lastly, there are also GFCIs that are built into cords on pieces of equipment.

ALL of these things can be referred to as "GFCIs"

Dead front on left is also switch rated, operating as a GFCI switch, notice the On/Off markings. So might be trying to switch an outlet that requires GF protection.