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Non-Necessity of 20 Amp GFCI in a KitchenAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 4/9/2009 10:55:01 AM
A lot of customers call our technical support people in need of a 20 Amp GFCI. They're told by the electrician or Inspector that they must install 20 Amp devices in their kitchen.
So is this necessary?
The only difference between a 20 Amp and 15 Amp GFCI is the external face of the device, which limits the plug that can be inserted into the device. This keeps one from plugging a device that draws more than 15 Amps into a 15 Amp circuit. Leviton's 15 Amp GFCIs, though, are actually rated for 20 Amp feed-thru. This allows you to install these devices on a 20 Amp circuit using 12 gauge wire, allowing protection by a 20 Amp breaker/fuse, and letting the GFCI protect all other receptacles that are downline from it in the kitchen.
The Leviton 15 Amp GFCI with 20 Amp Feed-through rating is a less expensive solution for homeowners who simply need quality circuit protection. There's just no need for most people to be opting for a 20 Amp. Comments (0) | Leave Comments |  Permalink leviton, smartlock, GFCI, receptacles, ground fault protection, code, kitchen, electricians, customers
Smartlock Pro GFCI ReceptacleAuthor: Tim D Posted Date: 9/22/2006 7:54:19 PM
 Leviton Manufacturing has just introduced a new design for their Smartlock GFCI receptacles. To meet new standards established by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) Leviton has redesigned their GFCI receptacle offering to make them even safer. The new standards require protection from miswiring, and indication that the device is no longer providing ground fault protection based on a failure to pass their internal test. Leviton embraced the improvements and took measures to make the SmartlockPro the safest GFCI in the market.
While the original Smartlock design provided similar features the new SmartlockPro goes further by providing a true dead-face design with an LED indicator for line-load reversals. The New UL 2006 Standard for "end of life" actually provides 3 options for manufacturers to provide indication. While other manufacturers have taken the alternate route in the 2006 UL Standard by providing an indicator light for end-of-life indication. They allow the compromised GFCI to be reset, thereby permitting it to continue delivering unprotected power to the GFCI face and downstream receptacles. Leviton disagrees with this approach.
GFCIs are first and foremost proven safety devices. The National Electrical Code requires GFCIs to be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, workshops and other locations where water is present and there's a risk of ground fault shock hazard. Leviton believes that a GFCI should be replaced immediately if it no longer provides ground fault protection. There is absolutely no people protection when a compromised GFCI functions as a "live" standard receptacle.
That's why Leviton's SmartlockPRO GFCI performs a self-test every time it is reset. If it is not capable of responding to a ground fault, the reset is blocked and the green LED indicator will be OFF . Leviton's Smartlock approach locks out a compromised GFCI, thereby providing the safest and smartest solution to people protection.
The installation of GFCIs is required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in bathrooms, kitchens, workshops, outdoor power and numerous other locations where the potential for ground fault shock hazards exist. They are proven safety devices. Leviton has taken definite steps toward enhancing electrical safety by designing a GFCI that will prevent reset when it no longer provides ground fault protection. For complete access to the SmartLockPRO product offering click here. Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink leviton, smartlock, GFCI, receptacles, ground fault protection, code, safety
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