GFCI in Kitchen Direct to GFCI Breaker

Miscellaneous Inspection Topics
#1

I currently work as a Maintenance Manager and was completing a stress test in a house today. Noted that the GFCI circuit in the kitchen was not disabled through a GFCI receptacle but passed straight through to the breaker in service panel. Breaker is a GFCI and tripped when tested through receptacles. The problem with this configuration in this particular unit, is the service panel is located in a locked owners closet. Florida…

Two questions.

  1. Is there any code requirement stating the receptacles in the kitchen should trigger a GFCI receptacle or is it approved to have the breaker act as the GFCI?
  2. Can a breaker panel be located in a locked room such as an owners closet?

Currently working through the Electrical module for home inspection

#2

I’ll be interested in the answer to this also. Gonna be honest, I’ve installed a GFCI breaker in the panel for basement circuit that we couldn’t figure out how the feed was routed, it kinda jumped her and there, GFCI at the panel took care of it. Whirlpool tubs are installed with GFCI breakers at the panel. I’d say it’s not an issue. Maybe someone with more thorough knowledge will respond.

#3

Interested as well.
I have no clue about requirements specific to Florida but even if allowed per “code” this sure would be an inconvenience for the occupant of the unit.

#4

Kitchen receptacles can certainly be protected by a GFCI breaker.

The general answer to the access question can be found in the NEC 2017

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.
Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel
shall be provided as required in 210.8(A) through (E). The
ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a readily
> accessible location.

Definition

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being
reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without
requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take
actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or
under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders,
and so forth. (CMP-1)

Informational Note: Use of keys is a common practice under
controlled or supervised conditions and a common alternative
to the ready access requirements under such supervised conditions
as provided elsewhere in the NEC.

So, in general, yes it can be in a locked room. It doesn’t fully answer your question as we would need to determine if the tenant is the person “to whom ready access is requisite”…

Who is responsible for ensuring a tripped GFCI device gets reset in a timely manner?

1990 GFCI in Kitchen
#5

Thanks for the answer and the reference Chuck. I had thought that was the case and other than “readily accessible location” notation, didn’t see how it wouldn’t be acceptable.