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Do basement receptacles need to be GFCI, 20 Amp, or on a 20 Amp circuit?

Asked Jan 5, 2011, 10:34 AM — 2 Answers

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tkrussell's Avatar
tkrussell Posts: 9,673, Reputation: 3698
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#2

Jan 5, 2011, 11:23 AM


Just need to be GFI protected in unfinished basements, may be 15 or 20 amp. I recommend 20 Amp.
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ma0641's Avatar
ma0641 Posts: 6,501, Reputation: 2528
Plumbing Expert
  
#3

Jan 5, 2011, 01:12 PM
Code requires protection by a GFCI in "unfinished basements". If you have a finished room, it is not needed. In storage areas, shop, utility room, GFCI protection is needed. Unless you are wiring for a specific installation that requires 20 Amp, you do not need 20 AMP wiring or protection. However, 20 AMP isn't a bad idea in a basement since people plug in space heaters and use power tools. Minimal extra cost.
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