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View Full Version : Electricians: Using Sprinkler / non-GFCI outlets in the garage


Brian
06-16-2016, 10:37
I have a non-GFCI outlet in the garage, as well as a "normal" GFCI outlet. The non-GFCI is marked "sprinkler only".
I'm relocating and upgrading the sprinkler box, and moving a few things around in the garage, so I have a few questions:

1) Why was a dedicated non-GFI outlet put in for the sprinkler? Is it more likely or more damaging for the sprinkler system to trip the GFI or something?
2) Will I have problems of some sort if I plug the sprinkler into a GFCI outlet?
3) I know code says you don't use non-GFCI outlets outside or in a garage. I assume this is because you are likely to plug in an extension cord or something that might get wet or whatever and electrocute yourself. So if I were going to use this outlet with a multi-tap to plug in all my cordless battery chargers, etc. (things that are generally plugged in and left alone) - am I at some realistic danger? Would be super handy if I could run a power strip up to my "battery shelf" where all the chargers are going to be.
newracer
06-16-2016, 10:48
1. They didn't put a GFCI on that outlet because it is cheaper. Labeling it for sprinkler use only gets them off the hook.
2. No
3. No. If you are concerned replace the outlet with a GFCI, they are pretty cheap.
bczandm
06-16-2016, 11:40
Trip the gfi outlet and see if it cuts power to the other outlet....
it likely will. I have a garage outlet that is on a gfi in the house.
SideShow Bob
06-16-2016, 12:32
Trip the gfi outlet and see if it cuts power to the other outlet....
it likely will. I have a garage outlet that is on a gfi in the house.

If it is labeled *NON-GFCI, it will be its own circuit.
dtbighit
06-16-2016, 12:54
Up until about 6 years ago code allowed single outlets in a garage to be non gfci as long as it was labeled.....some people want freezers and refrigerators in their garages so single outlet non gfci was ok....now code says all outlets in garages must be gfci.....plug your sprinkler clock into any outlet
Brian
06-16-2016, 13:36
Cool, sounds like I am good to go as long as I'm not an idiot. (Well, I may be in trouble in that case, LOL).
newracer
06-16-2016, 13:56
Up until about 6 years ago code allowed single outlets in a garage to be non gfci as long as it was labeled.....some people want freezers and refrigerators in their garages so single outlet non gfci was ok....now code says all outlets in garages must be gfci.....plug your sprinkler clock into any outlet

I will have to check to be sure but I think the freezer outlet in my garage is not on a GFCI and my house was built 3 years ago.
Colorado Fatboy
06-16-2016, 19:14
I will have to check to be sure but I think the freezer outlet in my garage is not on a GFCI and my house was built 3 years ago.

The code is updated every 3 years. We are currently on the 2014 edition. The last year a single (dedicated) non gfci was allowed in the garage was the 2005 code. It changed in 2008 and has not been allowed since.

Edit to add: The above is from the NEC. Local jurisdictions can make exceptions as to what they will allow. Keep that in mind when referring to code.
newracer
06-16-2016, 20:39
I was mistaken, it is on an GFCI.
Brian
06-16-2016, 22:43
The code is updated every 3 years. We are currently on the 2014 edition. The last year a single (dedicated) non gfci was allowed in the garage was the 2005 code. It changed in 2008 and has not been allowed since.

Edit to add: The above is from the NEC. Local jurisdictions can make exceptions as to what they will allow. Keep that in mind when referring to code.

Sounds about right, house was built in 07. Thx.