does a clothes washing machine require a gfi breaker

There may be situations in which AFCI protection is required. This includes the wiring, appliances and all devices connected to the circuit. If you install one breaker in the service panel, the entire circuit receives GFCI protection. The entire circuit is protected by GFCI circuit breakers and these are fairly simple. For instance, if your GFCI receptacle is the fourth one in an eight outlet circuit, then the first three ones will not be receiving protection.

However, what is left unprotected is the portion between the GFCI outlet and the main service panel. If you choose the multiple-location option, the first GFCI receptacle will be protected, along with each receptacle in the same circuit, including standard ones. Single-location wiring protects the GFCI receptacle only. Still, GFCIs can be wired in two different ways, thus offering two different protection levels. To obtain a higher level of protection to a single outlet location, a GFCI receptacle is installed instead of a standard outlet. The outlet measures the amount of energy that goes into it and when it senses a possible overload, it instantly trips the circuit.

The GFCI comes integrated into an electrical outlet, equipped with a red or white reset button found on the outlet’s faceplate. Recognizing a GFCI receptacle can be done simply by its appearance. GFCI Receptacle vs Breaker: Functionality The local electrical code, which represents a set of rules any home needs to follow to pass electrical inspections, contains specific requirements regarding how GFCI protection should be obtained, according to each jurisdiction.Įven though a GFCI breaker does pretty much the same thing as the GFCI receptacle, choosing between the two is a decision one needs to make only after weighing different advantages and disadvantages both might have. When the outlet is located near the earth or a water source, both of which create a direct route to earth, this kind of protection is required.Ī GFCI circuit breaker or a GFCI receptacle can provide users with protection. This happens when the electric current travels outside the established circuit. A GFCI receptacle protects users from ground fault shock.

According to the National Electric Code ( NEC) as well as other existing local building codes, you are required to install GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) in both your house and other indoor locations.

Does a clothes washing machine require a gfi breaker