Switching GFCI devices

Hi:

Because of a specific problem, I picked up a combination SPST switch and GFCI single outlet with a "load" connection.

Anyway, the instructions clearly say that one should NOT use the switch to control the input to the GFCI.

Why should that be a problem?

Reply to
John Gilmer
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If what you have is similar to the Leviton brand that I buy, it may be that the switch rating is lower than the outlet rating. Just a guess, but it seems like the switch is pretty light duty.

Reply to
RBM

Reply to
NoSpam

What brand and model number GFCI?

Reply to
Bill

Hi, As a result GFCI may trip.

Reply to
Tony Hwang

Bingo!

I should have figured it out myself.

The outlet on the device is only 15 amps but, like most 15 amp outlets, it's OK to put a 20 amp device (or several 15 amp devices) downstream.

Likewise, when a wall switch is used to control one or more "lamp" outlets the total amps could exceed 15.

I mentioned that to the electrician (licensed, experiences, etc) and he basically said that 15 amp "light" switches can be properly used on a 20 amp circuit.

Reply to
John Gilmer

1) I picket it up at a BIG BOX hardware store (Lowe's) 2) Brand name seems to be "Cooper Wiring Devices." VGFS15V-M-L 3) Made in China (Red China, I suppose)

4) The device itself isn't marked with a model number, etc. (I guess it's marketed thru several different companies.)

Reply to
John Gilmer

The electronics within the GFI are not designed to be continuously attacked by the resulting electrical spikes each time the switch is turned on and off.

Reply to
Rich.

On 8/29/2009 8:09 AM John Gilmer spake thus:

Where did he get that idea?

That one doesn't even pass the common-sense test. If a device is rated for 15 amps, how is it OK to use it on a circuit drawing (potentially)

20 amps?

Now, I could see using a 15 amp switch on a 15-amp circuit (meaning one connected to a 15 amp breaker) but wired with #12 wire. Is that what the electrician meant?

Reply to
David Nebenzahl

Well, there seem to be some special rules for 15/20 amp stuff. For example, a 15 amp outlet can "pass thru" juice to a 20 amp outlet. A 15 amp outlet can be on a 20 amp circuit.

Nope!

I implied by error the conversation I had was recent. It actually took place about 2 years ago. I had some switched outlets and I couldn't find

20 amp SPST switches. That's when he told me I could put 15 amp rated switches on a 20 amp #12 wire circuit.
Reply to
John Gilmer

I am not a real expert on the subject but I do not see the problem. Very few lights would even come close to requiring 15 A. A fixture containing three 100 watt lamps requires less than three A on a 120 V power line (neglecting inrush current). You can always screw things up by placing an overload exceeding 20 even if had 20 A switches.

Electrical codes can be arbitrary, but I would be surprised if all parts of a circuit must always be matched to each other.

Bill

Reply to
Salmon Egg

We have a winner!! You can't put a single 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit, because the potential to overload it, and by the same logic, you wouldn't put a 10 amp or 15 amp switch on a load greater than the switch capacity, but you certainly can install a 15 amp switch on a bank of lights that draws 10 amps, which is fed off of a 20 amp circuit.

Reply to
RBM

Where exactly, did you read that?

Reply to
RBM

Can we extend that logic to say that you can put a 15 amp switch on a "bank" of 15 amp outlets?

Reply to
John Gilmer

You are close but what I'm thinking may be the reason could have to do with the way a GFCI works. If you short the neutral and ground on a GFCI outlet, the GFCI will trip. If power were to accidentally energize the neutral on the circuit that the GFCI outlet is on and the power to the electronic control is off, the outlet would not trip. A GFCI will trip under all fault conditions, not just power to ground. You should try to trip one by shorting the neutral to ground and you'll see what I mean.

TDD

Reply to
The Daring Dufas

Can't happen. That is what breakers are for.

Reply to
Metspitzer

I've seen stranger things happen. Things like nails and screws through wires causing extremely weird short circuits. Remember, a breaker is for protecting the wiring, not people.

TDD

Reply to
The Daring Dufas

Aren't we talking about a receptacle here? It may be intended for a lamp, but that doesn't mean that's what will get plugged into it. If the switch is 15A feeding a receptacle, I would at the very least split the duplex so that only one side is controlled by the switch, otherwise there is potential for a greater than 15A load.

Reply to
James Sweet

When I wired my bath 25 years ago I put the outlet and lights (which had outlets on them) on a switch. The circuit is Switch -> GFCI -> Lights. This was done so the outlets on the lights would be GFCI protected. It has worked well for 25 years with no false trips.

Reply to
Mark

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