Originally Posted By: dbush This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I have 2 different opinions among the AHJs in this area concerning outside GFCIs. One states that as long as the outside receptacle on the series is GFCI protection that is sufficient. The other states that ALL outside receptacles must be GFCI. I don’t have a copy of the NEC YET, so I am unable to prove either way. Help please.
Originally Posted By: jmyers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Dave,
I like to see the GFCI receptacle on the inside of the house with all the exterior standard receptacles protected from that GFCI receptacle.
Here is my reasoning and you can take this to the AHJ you are speaking of. Since GFCI detects the ground fault it is very possible (and common) for the receptacle itself to trip while leaving the circuit energized. The occupant of the house has absolutely no way of knowing which GFCI receptacle is the first in line that has the energized wires connected to it. If you were to place the GFCI receptacles on each outlet on the exterior of the house you don't know which caused the ground fault and since water penetration would likely be the cause it is possible for the occupant to shock themself when they touch it. These type receptacles also give the client a false sense of security since the occupant is looking at this circuit as being de-energized and that most likely is not the case! By placing a lone receptacle on the inside of the home you can be certain none of the exterior receptacles are energized and can be touched without being shocked. You can also point out to the AHJ that since those receptacles are being run in parallel only the first GFCI receptacle will trip and the rest are just adding expense to the installation. If he doubts you tell him to purchase three GFCI receptacles and install them on a board in parallel and plug them into a standard receptacle. Only the first GFCI will trip when you test any of them.
I actually come across this situation often, mostly because the AHJ does not carry around one of those $10 tester that will trip the GFCI circuit. When they inspect the bathroom and kitchen receptacles they often just look to see if it is a GFCI receptacle and not on a GFCI protected circuit. If they don't see the GFCI receptacle they make an electrician install one. They never bother to check to see if it is running off another GFCI protected receptacle elsewhere in the house. The first one in line will trip when this happens. You can tell pretty easily which ones are taking their job seriously and which are just there for show! 
Originally Posted By: dbush This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe, most all of them in this area have 1 GFCI on the outside, normally closest to the utility room or garage area. However, one of the AHJs has, if I’m not mistaken, just recently started complaining on the new homes being built that they should all be. I have figured out that this particular AHJ is not exactly consistent between builders.
Originally Posted By: jmyers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Dave,
The code states, " All 125 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 amp receptacles installed in the locations specified in 1 - 8 shall have ground fault circuit interrupter protection for personal". 210.8
It does not state that all the receptacles have to be of the GFCI type, just GFCI protected. They could very well be protected by a GFCI type breaker and that is perfectly acceptable according to the codes.
The codes of course are minimum standards and they are not doing anything but adding expense to the installation by requiring all the receptacles to be of the GFCI type. I believe you have a AHJ that does not understand what they are talking about and sincerely believe they are adding safety to the home when in fact they are doing nothing more than adding cost to the home. Maybe they will listen if you can explain like above in a non-argumentative manner.