Maintenance, Repair & Operations

Three GFCI Myths

Feb. 6, 2018

Check out these three misconceptions related to GFCIs.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles protect people by opening the circuit when L-N current exceeds (typically) 4mA to 6mA. You’ll find GFCI requirements in various places throughout the Code; the 2017 NEC index shows about four dozen entries. Here are three GFCI myths:

They need a ground wire to work, so you can’t use them on older 2-wire circuits.
Fact: The sensing function uses the hot and the neutral. If using on a 2-wire circuit, affix a label stating the receptacle is ungrounded.
All GFCIs are the same, get the cheapest one.
Fact: Look for GFCIs with features like a wiring error indicator light or no reset if a wiring error.
If you wire bathroom circuits, you must put the GFCI in the first bathroom (from the breaker) in the circuit.
Fact: You can improve user convenience by installing a GFCI in each bathroom. Wire so each bathroom feeds the next, connecting the load wires to the bottom set of hot terminals until you get to the last GFCI. Then wire the last GFCI to protect its downstream loads.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.