ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues GFCI receptacle used as a disconnect?

I'm glad that we're in agreement here. I just wanted to make sure that I hadn't missed something.

The installation consisted of a piece of UF coming up out of the ground (no physical protection) and into an FS box with a GFI receptacle in it. They came out of the back to feed the receptacles and lights inside the garage. In such an instance, the only way to disconnect the power would be to trip the GFI.

I knew it didn't get inspected.

I rather like the idea. Not only does this help you meet the recommendation to regularly 'test' the GFCI, but the new (since 2001) GFCI's have an indicating light, to verify if they've been tripped.

The 2001 revision of GFCI requirements also took care of the old issue of a mis-wired GFCI not operating properly. Now a GFCI, like a disconnect, must open all the 'hot' conductors.

Unlike snap switches -which are often rated at less than circuit ampacity- a GFCI is rated for opening under load, even a motor load.

I say a GFCI meets the 'disconnect' requirement of the NEC. It does not, though, meet the LOTO requirements of OSHA.

The problem is GFCIs can fail "on", like when you have a bolted fault.

What if the GFCI says "switch" with off/on at the test/reset buttons? (Not that I've ever thought of using a GFI for a switch, but to stir thought..)

Guess I would read the instructions first, and IF it is a 'switch' check the rating & proceed from there.

I had a guy wire the rooftop light to the 'load' side of a GFI receptacle on a rooftop. He used the 'test/reset' for the light switch. I did not approve it. No debate, he installed a switch.

I can't see ANY inspector accepting a GFCI trip device as a safety switch.

The general public/ any servicing tech would NEVER 'make the connection.'

If you want to use a toggle switch -- with clear ON/OFF legends....

And, it would have to be suitably labled, and in a suitable location. (proximate)

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EV WHY would anyone want unswitched lights?

As for firemen responding to trouble... well, at least it's a GFCI.

Except that GFCIs fail all the time....

They fail A LOT.

%%%

You're describing a hack job that is exactly why red tags are necessary.

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Which gets back to a lot of hack thinking/ engineering.

Hacks can get something to 'work' that is so screwy that failure is sure to come.

And when it does fail, first responders are expected to be miracle electricians and dope out some crazy scheme on the hurry up.

Tesla:

Lostashell said a GFI with 'On/Off' at the tes/reset buttons. I have not come accross an animal like that.

I have (somewhere) a GFI-SP Switch combo device. I'll look for it when I get a chance.