GFCI 110 Outlet and Circuit Breaker

Electrical and electronic topics for small boats
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jimp
Posts: 139
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2015 11:18 am
Location: Juneau, Alaska

GFCI 110 Outlet and Circuit Breaker

Postby jimp » Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:02 pm

You guys always know everything. ABYC regulation E-13.3.5 states that a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is required for 110-VAC outlets in the head and gallery. Why doesn't a circuit breaker in the circuit breaker panel cover this? Do you need both? I've already got the circuit breaker installed.

Thanks.

JimP
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porthole
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Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:57 pm
Location: LSD Lower Slower Delaware

Re: GFCI 110 outlet and circuit breaker?

Postby porthole » Wed Jun 07, 2017 3:43 am

It would be if your panel had a GFCI circuit breaker.
Looks like you have all standard magnetic overload circuit breakers.

In simple terms, regular breakers protect against an overload of the hot wire.
GFCI breakers (or receptacles) protect against current leakage. The current going from the source to the appliance and back to the source should be equal (equal between the hot and neutral).
If not there is a 'leak' and a GFCI would trip if installed.

Here is a Blue Seas version of a GFCI breaker you could add to your panel.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/3106100/A-Series_ELCI_Main_Circuit_Breaker_-_Double_Pole_120V_AC_30A
Last edited by porthole on Wed Jun 07, 2017 3:44 am, edited 2 times in total.
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF

porthole
Posts: 645
Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:57 pm
Location: LSD Lower Slower Delaware

Re: GFCI 110 outlet and circuit breaker?

Postby porthole » Wed Jun 07, 2017 3:51 am

Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF

User avatar
jimp
Posts: 139
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2015 11:18 am
Location: Juneau, Alaska

Re: GFCI 110 outlet and circuit breaker?

Postby jimp » Wed Jun 07, 2017 7:29 am

Porthole -

Thanks. Good info.

JimP

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jimp
Posts: 139
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2015 11:18 am
Location: Juneau, Alaska

Re: GFCI 110 Outlet and Circuit Breaker

Postby jimp » Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:32 pm

Porthole -

Was traveling when I replied before.

Got a chance to get back to the boat yesterday/today. Replaced the boxes with bigger boxes to fit the GFCI outlets in the head and galley. Had to do some "minor" surgery on the bulkheads to get the new boxes to fit. But the GFCIs are in and working.

JimP