Study Question - GFCI Breaker VS Receptacle

[I-learns]

Is there a general rule that one can go by, to know when the NEC specifically requires a GFCI breaker rather than a GFCI receptacle? For instance, 210.8 says circuits shall have ground fault protection for personnel, while 680.22(A)4 says that the receptacle shall be protected by a GFCI. One could theorize that for safety reasons, they may want a GFCI breaker to be used, as this could protect from the shock scenarios that could occur if one touches a metal receptacle box that is filled with water (in this scenario, the GFCI could have tripped and left its supply conductors on, while not being shorted out enough to trip a breaker on overcurrent).

So is it a NEC wide rule, that when it says the receptacle shall be protected by a GFCI, then this means that there is a GFCI ahead of the receptacle?

 

[480sparky]

The NEC is silent on the issue. Breaker or receptacle.... GFCI protection is the same.

What to use is a design issue.

 

[flatlander]

Code 210.8 does not say that the entire circuit is protected only that the receptacles be GFCI protected. . Unlike new AFCI circuits must have the entire circuit protected not just the receptacle or device. ( only a very limited exceptions)

 

[roger]

Is there a general rule that one can go by, to know when the NEC specifically requires a GFCI breaker rather than a GFCI receptacle?

As stated by the others, it is a design choice except for elevator pits, hoistways, car tops, escalator, and moving walk wellways, in those locations the receptacles are specified to be GFCI type. See 620.85 and note the wording in the first paragraph "shall be of the ground-fault circuit-interrupter type" verses the wording of the second paragraph "shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel"

Roger

 

[tom baker]

Roger beat me to 620.85. Here the requirement is for a GFCI receptacle, so the elevator mechanic can reset the GFCI in the pit.
With a GFCI breaker, the entire circuit is protected, on a long circuit (underground), there could be enough leakage to trip the GFCI.
Receptacles are handy as if it trips it can be reset locally, however sometimes a receptacle can be buried behind furniture (even though they are to be readily accessible)
Lastly there is the issue of cost, a GFCI receptacle is $15.00 and a CB is $30? Bolt on GFCI CBs are easily $125.
I will say over the years the GFCIs have gotten better, and the receptacles are easier to wire with side clamps.