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TCanarecci · Apr 11, 2013, 04:10 PM

I have found out that it would be okay to install GFCI on older 2 wire outlets-just not connecting anything to the ground screw. So, if that is okay woud it be okay to install a GFCI breaker in the breaker box instead? The bathrooms are wired together and it might be cheaper just to make the change in the breakere box instead of the outlets.

ballengerb1 · Apr 11, 2013, 05:20 PM

What and why are you considering this change? Did you know that a GFCI breakers detect an interruption of current, but do not detect current overloads, such as those occurring with short circuits. In addition, a GFCI breaker will not stop when a person completes the circuit by, for example, touching both a live and a neutral electrical contact.

Which code does your area follow?

donf · Apr 11, 2013, 06:10 PM

Okay, The only reason to worry about adding a ground to a recptacle is if you have a 2 prong receptacle and you have a plug that needs a three prong receptacle.

There are two ways:

1) Go back to the panel that this circuit and pull a new cable with the bare ground conductor in it.

2) Use a GFC! Receptacle (a GFC! Receptacle does not use the grounded pin)

A GFC! Breaker would not matter. GFCI devices work by sensing the amperage between the black and white conductors. If there is a 0.06 difference in amperage between the 2 conductors the GFCI device will open. Its purpose is to protect people from electrical shock.

In your case, I would recommend using the GFCI receptacles since moat appliances used in a bathroom require 3 prongs.

stanfortyman · Apr 12, 2013, 04:07 AM

OK Don and Ballen, I get what he is asking. Don, you are WAY over-analyzing this.

He is asking if he can use a GFI breaker as opposed to two GFI receptacles in his bathroom, where the wiring method does not contain a ground. I get the impression that he already has 3-prong receptacles non-compliantly in place.

The answer is either will work. I like local GFI receptacles because when they trip you do not have to go to the panel (basement, garage, etc) to reset it. Also, two GFI receptacles are still much cheaper than a GFI breaker.

TCanarecci · Apr 12, 2013, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

OK Don and Ballen, I get what he is asking. Don, you are WAY over-analyzing this.

He is asking if he can use a GFI breaker as opposed to two GFI receptacles in his bathroom, where the wiring method does not contain a ground. I get the impression that he already has 3-prong receptacles non-compliantly in place.

The answer is either will work. I like local GFI receptacles because when they trip you do not have to go to the panel (basement, garage, etc) to reset it. Also, two GFI receptacles are still much cheaper than a GFI breaker.

Thanks for your responses. Yes the outlets in the bathrooms have already been change to a newer style.
Have other questions:
Prior to an older home being sold I have heard that from time to time it must be brought up to code-electrically.
I don't know what that means exactly. How far do you go with it? Do you just have to change the breaker box from the old fuse style box to a newer breaker box with some type of ground system and that being considered minimum code or do you have to change all the older 2 wire ( wires to outlets have no grounding wire) also? Living in Edwardsburg, Michigan
Also the wires are 60 years old should they be changed just because of their age? Some are cracked and split on the surface and some look okay (Black wire sheathing)

TCanarecci · Apr 12, 2013, 12:52 PM

[QUOTE=TCanarecci;3441411]Thanks for your responses. Yes the outlets in the bathrooms have already been change to a newer style.
Have other questions:
Prior to an older home being sold I have heard that from time to time it must be brought up to code-electrically.
I don't know what that means exactly. How far do you go with it? Do you just have to change the breaker box from the old fuse style box to a newer breaker box with some type of ground system and that being considered minimum code or do you have to change all the older 2 wire ( wires to outlets have no grounding wire) also? Living in Edwardsburg, Michigan-just north of South Bend, Indiana
Also the wires are 60 years old should they be changed just because of their age? Some are cracked and split on the surface and some look okay (Black wire sheathing).

ballengerb1 · Apr 12, 2013, 01:12 PM

"Prior to an older home being sold I have heard that from time to time it must be brought up to code-electrically" you heard wrong if it was up to code when it was built. If you do a major renovation or additin you may be required to bring the house up to current code. "Some are cracked and split on the surface and some look okay (Black wire sheathing). " can you post a picture? 60 year old wiring normaly would not crack if not exposed to the elements