Subject 2960 - GFCI's in Kitchens
Changing the standards for kitchen counter receptacles will put every house built or renovated in the last 30 years below those standards. These houses are usually wired with 14/3 nmd and have two split receptacles per three-wire circuit.
It is difficult to re-feed receptacles on outside walls, especially when there is no access above or below that wall, and it is difficult to maintain a good vapour barrier around a fished outlet.
It is expensive to install two-pole GFCI breakers. Many homes have narrow breakers and full electrical panels, or makes of panels that are no longer manufactured. Addition of wide GFCI breakers may also require the installation of a sub-panel.
As these houses are sold, or the kitchens renovated, it may be necessary to alter the wiring to meet new rules. If those rules are so strict that home owners see the cost as unnecessary, some will avoid the cost by avoiding the electrical permit. The end result can be less safe installations.
That is to say: I can talk anyone into four or five GFI receptacles. It will be difficult to convince many people that I need to cut holes in a drywall ceiling in the room below the kitchen, or that the cost of relocating a receptacle will include a sub-panel and a hundred dollar breaker, or two.
Perhaps we could have a rule for existing installations, that would provide for the use of GFI receptacles on 15 Amp circuits.
tim