GFCI circuit protection when replacing old non grounded receptacles

acxman · Nov 22, 2021

Hi All,
I’m a retired electrician from the Detroit area. My question is, I need to replace some old two prong receptacles in my daughters 75 year old home. Code says I can install a GFCI receptacle in the first receptacle of a group of receptacles and install standard three prong receptacles downstream from the GFCI. But, in that scenario I have to locate the first receptacle. That can be difficult in these old homes.

What I would like your opinion on is can I just install a GFCI breaker, for that circuit, in the panel? Then I do not have to worry about which receptacle is first in the circuit?

Thanks
Tom

pc1966 · Nov 22, 2021

This is one for one of our USA members such as @Megawatt

Here in the UK the RCD (GFCI) is normally always in the panel so it also protects the fixed wiring against accidental nailing during DIY, etc.

Megawatt · Nov 22, 2021

acxman said:
Hi All,
I’m a retired electrician from the Detroit area. My question is, I need to replace some old two prong receptacles in my daughters 75 year old home. Code says I can install a GFCI receptacle in the first receptacle of a group of receptacles and install standard three prong receptacles downstream from the GFCI. But, in that scenario I have to locate the first receptacle. That can be difficult in these old homes.

What I would like your opinion on is can I just install a GFCI breaker, for that circuit, in the panel? Then I do not have to worry about which receptacle is first in the circuit?

Thanks
Tom

Yes that would be fine but they are expensive but there is one stipulation that you have to install stickers on the covers stating no equipment equipment on every receptacle and yes you can install the 3 prong covers.

Megawatt · Nov 22, 2021

Megawatt said:
Yes that would be fine but they are expensive but there is one stipulation that you have to install stickers on the covers stating no equipment equipment on every receptacle and yes you can install the 3 prong covers.

I have to agree with you that finding the first outlet on a circuit can be challenging in the older houses.

acxman · Nov 23, 2021

Megawatt, Thank you. I was pretty sure it would be the same as installing a GFCI in the first outlet, but just wanted to make sure. And, yes I still would have had to label the receptacles accordingly. Thanks for you quick reply.

Megawatt · Nov 23, 2021

acxman said:
Megawatt, Thank you. I was pretty sure it would be the same as installing a GFCI in the first outlet, but just wanted to make sure. And, yes I still would have had to label the receptacles accordingly. Thanks for you quick reply.

Your quite a my friend