GFCI

[jcole]

I was told at one time or another that GFCI's can only protect 3 or less receptacles on the load side. I always assumed that was right. Today I came along a installation that had 7 protected receptacles on one GFCI that had passed inspection recently. I know this is a design issue and is not covered in the nec. I figure it might be a local thing or possibly a manufacture spec. Any ideas?

 

[bphgravity]

Check the manufacturer's instructions. I do not believe this issue is evaluated by UL.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

As many as you like but dont forget that finding the fault is not easy if you have too many.I would try to limit them to maybe 6.

 

[steve66]

The amount of wire on the load side is usually limited (per the manufacturer's instructions). I think too much can cause false tripping.

 

[Mike03a3]

I've never seen this covered by the instructions that come with a GFCI. However, I did ask a manufacturer's tech support a couple of months ago and they responded that

Up to 9 receptacles from a branch circuit can be put on a GFCI,

Of course, that answer only addresses one manufacturer. Your mileage may vary.

 

[jcole]

Thanks for the interesting replies.

 

[tom baker]

No requirement in the NEC on this.
It may be an old rule of thumb to prevent nusisance tripping.
I've not seen this in the mgf instructions either.