TOPIC: GFCI under sink and by washer

Fridges on GFCIs

Older GFCIs  were prone to nuciance tripping when motorized appliances were plugged in.  Now appliances have to meet newer standards and should not trip GFCI unless there is something wrong. 

You will occasionally see dedicated circuits in garages for the second fridge or freezer with no GFCI.  The thought is if the GFCI trips, no one would know in a timely manner and all the food in the fridge/freezer would spoil.  Tough.  Current code does NOT have an exception for dedicated circuits in garage space exempting them from GFCI.  If your appliance is tripping the GFCI, replace the appliance or the GFCI.  One or the other is not performing. 

The chart is very helpful.  Thanks

Thanks Bruce, very helpful chart.

No GFCI's on appliances Doug.  You won't find built in Sub Zero's, dishwashers, microwave ovens, ranges, cooktops or laundry equipment GFCI protected regardless of age, (nuisance trips).  The 2006 laundry room requirement is for counter outlets/sinks, etc...

If you're finding GFCI's present on appliances its because someone has added them after the fact.

4. All, except outlets not readily accessible (6 feet 8 inches? or higher) and outlets for dedicated appliances which are not easily movable (freezer, refrigerator, etc.).

6b. All outlets which serve as counter top outlets, except outlets for refrigerator or freezer.

What Will said...

In newer homes built-in appliances should have dedicated circuits.  A fridge or freezer in the garage might be GFI covered, but that is only because of the outlet it is plugged into.  And not smart to do that - they have a habit of tripping and nobody knows it.  A really new freezer will have a temperature alarm to warn that the temps are rising.  I don't think new fridges have those alarms.

In newer homes built-in appliances should have dedicated circuits.  A fridge or freezer in the garage might be GFI covered, but that is only because of the outlet it is plugged into.  And not smart to do that - they have a habit of tripping and nobody knows it.  A really new freezer will have a temperature alarm to warn that the temps are rising.  I don't think new fridges have those alarms.

I am a little fuzzy on your meaning.  All receptacles in a garage must have GFCI protection.  There is no exception for dedicated circuits in a garage to NOT have GFCI protection.  A dedicated circuit for an appliance in the kitchen does not require GFCI protection.