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Posted By: Admin Consumer Question >> Is this a code violation? - 10/03/02 10:59 PM
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This is a picture of one of the outlets in the bathroom in my apartment. I was told the outlet should have a built-in breaker which would trip if (for example) an electrical device was plugged into the socket and was dropped into a sink full of water. Is this true? Does the apartment HAVE to be equipped in such a fashion?

- B S Van Norman

[This message has been edited by Webmaster (edited 10-03-2002).]
The first question would be how old is your apartment? Currently this outlet would require GFCI protection. If your apartment was built before the code edition containing the requirement was adopted by you municipality it wouldn't require it. Also, there is a possibility this outlet is protected from the load side of a GFCI receptacle in the other part of the house or a GFCI breaker. Are there any GFCI receptacles in the apartment at all?
Good point,Nick, a socket-outlet over here in New Zealand, would not pass certification
in a Bathroom, unless it was fitted on a
circuit with a GFCI protecting it.
This is the same for all "damp areas"
JMHO, but that receptacle looks to be in too good of condition for a bathroom recept that's grandfathered in...

Be safe and put in a GFCI. They are worth the extra cost.

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