GFCI Outlets
GFCI Outlets In Ontario Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required for exterior outlets, bathroom outlets and any new kitchen or remvovation wherr an outlet is being installed 1.5 meters from edge of any sink, tub or shower unit.
Testing GFCIIt is recommended that you test your GFCI outlet every month. Plug in any small appliance and push the Test Button, your appliance should tun off. Then push the Reset Button and your appliance should turn back on. If your GFCI does not Reset or Turn off, contact a licensed electrician to repair.
A GFCI is an electrical wiring device that disconnects a circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor. Such an imbalance may indicate current leakage through the body of a person who is grounded and accidentally touching the energized part of the circuit. A lethal shock can result from these conditions. GFCI's are designed to disconnect quickly enough to prevent injury caused by such shocks. They are not intended to provide protection against overcurrent (overload) or short-circuit conditions.
GFCI Protection of Kitchen Counter Receptacles
The 2002 edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code includes an Ontario amendment to Rule 26-700, which requires Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection for Kitchen Counter receptacles effective January 1, 2003.
The new Subrule (26-700(12) states that effective January 2003:
(12) Receptacles located in kitchens and installed within 1 m of a kitchen sink along the wall behind counter work surfaces shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type.
Appendix B note: Distance of 1 m is measured from edge of kitchen sink. The following guidelines shall be used for consistent interpretation and application of this new subrule effective January 1, 2003.
1. This rule applies to all receptacle installations located within 1 m of a kitchen sink along the wall behind counter work surfaces where the plans or application for inspection is received on or after January 1, 2003.
2. This rule applies to all kitchens.
2.1. Kitchen is defined as "a place (as a room) with cooking facilities"
2.2. A cooking facility is defined as a range or stove (electric or gas supply) for cooking. Hot plates, microwaves, etc. are not defined as a cooking facility for application of this rule.
3. In dwelling units, Rules 26-712(d) and 26-722(b) require that kitchen counter receptacles be split receptacles connected to multi-wire 15 amp branch circuits. Rule 26-726 permits the installation of 5-20 RA (T-slot) receptacles connected to single 20 amp branch circuits as an alternative to split receptacles and circuits.
4. The adjacency requirement as stated in Rules 26-722(b) and 26-726(3) has been deemed to offer no added safety value to an installation. The Canadian Electrical Code has deleted the adjacency requirement in the next edition. ESA along with the Ontario Provincial Code Council has reviewed the Part I direction and the adjacency requirement in Rule 26-722 for counter receptacles is no longer applicable". When GFCI'S Are Required in Kitchens and Bathrooms Required Receptacles in Residential Washrooms Rule 26-710(f)
Appendix B note: Distance of 1 m is measured from edge of kitchen sink. The following guidelines shall be used for consistent interpretation and application of this new subrule effective January 1, 2003.
1. This rule applies to all receptacle installations located within 1 m of a kitchen sink along the wall behind counter work surfaces where the plans or application for inspection is received on or after January 1, 2003.
2. This rule applies to all kitchens.
2.1. Kitchen is defined as "a place (as a room) with cooking facilities"
2.2. A cooking facility is defined as a range or stove (electric or gas supply) for cooking. Hot plates, microwaves, etc. are not defined as a cooking facility for application of this rule.
3. In dwelling units, Rules 26-712(d) and 26-722(b) require that kitchen counter receptacles be split receptacles connected to multi-wire 15 amp branch circuits. Rule 26-726 permits the installation of 5-20 RA (T-slot) receptacles connected to single 20 amp branch circuits as an alternative to split receptacles and circuits.
4. The adjacency requirement as stated in Rules 26-722(b) and 26-726(3) has been deemed to offer no added safety value to an installation. The Canadian Electrical Code has deleted the adjacency requirement in the next edition. ESA along with the Ontario Provincial Code Council has reviewed the Part I direction and the adjacency requirement in Rule 26-722 for counter receptacles is no longer applicable". When GFCI'S Are Required in Kitchens and Bathrooms Required Receptacles in Residential Washrooms Rule 26-710(f)
Rule 26-710(f) states that at least one receptacle shall be installed within 1 m of the washbasin located in each bathroom or washroom.
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