I want to Install a GFCI oulet outside. Do I need a GFCI breaker and a GFCI outlet?

Question

If I only need to Install either a GFCI breaker or a GFCI outlet, which one is better?

Answer 1

You can do one or the other, there is no need to do both. In my experience, most use GFCI outlets and not GFCI breakers. I have seen GFCI breakers used where it would be impossible to use an outlet (for example, applying GFI protection to a light in a shower), or in places where access to the outlet to reset it is less convenient (for example, an outdoor outlet that may be hard to reach).

Answer 2

If you are doing only one outlet, use the GFCI outlet. If you were doing several, I'd suggest the breaker, with a dedicated line. By using the outlet, you do not necessarily have to run a dedicated line... you can tap off an existing circuit, if the load isnt going to be that much. A GFCI outlet will cost about $15... a GFCI breaker runs about $35.

Always use weather proof boxes outside.

Have Fun

Answer 3

You do not need a GFCI breaker, as others have said. A GFCI outlet is fine by itself. Remember though, you MUST connect a ground (earth) wire to it or it will not work. If you do not have a ground wire available you could drive a ground rod near the outlet and run a ground wire from the rod to the outlet.

Answer 4

Nope just the outlet is required. The breaker would provide protection for the entire circuit but is way more expensive and tend to need replaced more often. If your really big on protection you can put a GFCI outlet on a Arc Fault breaker but since its outside arc fault protection would more than likely be overdoing it for the added cost.

Id go with the outlet but make sure you double check the wiring cause its easy to wire it wrong, most new outlets wont test right if its wired wrong so you should be ok.

Answer 5

The allowance in the NEC to use GFCI to replace a non-grounded outlet does not specify that it must be a GFCI outlet, so the breaker will be fine. All the 3-prong outlets installed need to be labeled "GFCI protected" and "No equipment ground" (labels that typically come with GFCI outlets). The neutral needs to be connected to the GFCI breaker, and that may be difficult to find if not a cable wiring method. But other answers that say lighting is not allowed or the neutral in knob and tube not work with the GFCI breaker are wrong. Any "neutral sharing" between circuits is a code violation, even with knob and tube, since that can overload the neutral conductor.

Answer 6

You only need a GFCI outlet. the breaker is not needed, less convienient, and much more expensive. But be sure to use a whether proof cover over the outlet.

Answer 7

Either one. The breaker will protect the entire circuit and the receptacle will protect itself and anything connected to it's load terminals. Neither is better than the other. The receptacle can be reset at the receptacle. The breaker needs to be reset at the breaker panel.