Kitchen GFCI receptacles in California

[BAHTAH]

I was told by a general contractor today that the electrical inspector told him, he was required to install GFCI receptacles at each outlet where this protection is required in the kitchen. He is not allowed to use a feed-thru type GFCI receptacle or a GFCI circuit breaker. Does anyone know if this is a California Electrical Code requirement or just some inspectors idea?

 

[stamcon]

Re: Kitchen GFCI receptacles in California

Grant, unless that is a local code,

2001 CEC 210-8(a)Dwelling Units. All 125-volt single phase, 15-and 20- ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified below shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel.
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(6)Kitchens. Where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces.

The receptacles need to be protected , but not be GFCI receptacles.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Kitchen GFCI receptacles in California

As the electrician, I would get the correct information right from the AHJ, in this case the inspector. He said, she said stuff never works out. I 'm guessing the GC is misinterpreting what the inspector said and now is giving you incorrect info.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Kitchen GFCI receptacles in California

Originally posted by stamcon:The receptacles need to be protected , but not be GFCI receptacles.

There is truth and there is reality, and never the twain shall meet. What you say is truth. What follows is my view of reality. If a realtor shows me a house, and if the receptacle next to the kitchen sink doesn’t have a “push-to-test” button, I am going to be concerned. It may be irrational in me, and I know that I could verify that the receptacle is GFCI protected by a more detailed inspection or some testing. But most home owners will not be able to make the distinction between “GFCI receptacle” and “GFCI-protected receptacle.”

Now if the electrician somehow labeled a “normal-looking” receptacle as having GFCI protection, that might alleviate some concern. But I could not find a code statement that requires such a label. Is there one that I missed?

 

[byron]

Re: Kitchen GFCI receptacles in California

Charley B,

Ever tested an outlet with a push to test button and power remained at the outlet? I am concerned, regardless of the label or button, unless I test it my self.

 

[BAHTAH]

Re: Kitchen GFCI receptacles in California

Being an electrical contractor in California I was concerned by the statement made by the General Contractor. Thanks for the responces, it was the weekend so I could not check, but did call this A.M. and the General was mistaken, feed-thru and breakers are allowed. Thanks again.