GFCI for washing machine

Any electricians out there care to comment on whether washing machines need to be plugged into GFCI outlets? There’s no sink in the laundry room, just the washing machines.

Guest User | 7 years and 6 months ago

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daveinbedstuy | 7 years and 6 months ago

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A GFCI at the outlet can be installed in about 20 minutes. Replacing the breaker to the washer in the breaker box with a GFCI will take about 45 seconds.

Guest User | 7 years and 6 months ago

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my licensed electrician did the electrical upgrades for two new electric dryers recently and the electrical in the space was all inspected and passed. fast forward to an HPD inspection (the building is a homeless shelter and is subject to bi-annual inspections by DHS, HPD, DOB, FDNY and DOH) when the HPD inspector said the washers needed GFCIs. The electrician says it’s unnecessary. We’re installing them no matter what since it’s not a big ticket item I just figured I’d ask on this forum if anyone had insight. I guess this board is populated with more plumbers, architects, and HVAC folks than electricians 🙂

Guest User | 7 years and 6 months ago

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RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 7 years and 6 months ago

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If you have an existing set up, in a one or two family house, you probably need not worry about meeting the code. Still , GFCI outlets are not very expensive and just might save your life. No brainer?

BKALLDAY | 7 years and 6 months ago

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https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=nyc+gcfi+code+for+washing+machines+and+dryers.&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8. Try this link and take a peek-see through there but your best best is to call an electrician.

BKALLDAY | 7 years and 6 months ago

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I cannot. However in every place I have lived I had to hire an Electrical contractor to bring the install up to code or bring the existing within the current code. Have you tried to reach out to an electrician or a plumber. They should be able to tell you why you need to have it and the code associated with it. The shame will be for you to do all the work and then not get it signed off.

Guest User | 7 years and 6 months ago

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can you point me to the code though? i get the idea of why but i’m having trouble verifying in the electrical code.

Guest User | 7 years and 6 months ago

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can you point me to the code though? i get the idea of why but i’m having trouble verifying in the electrical code.

BKALLDAY | 7 years and 6 months ago

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Legally you are supposed to have one since the element of water and electric don’t tend to mix well and you would want the line to trip rather than keep going and flood or electrocute anyone. Do it the right way. Saves a ton of trouble.

Guest User | 7 years and 6 months ago

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thanks dorkofwindsor. it’s an actual room, not a closet, and it’s on the first floor. my gut says the same as yours, but HPD says the washers need GFCI’s. probably not worth the fight.

Guest User | 7 years and 6 months ago

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thanks dorkofwindsor. it’s an actual room, not a closet, and it’s on the first floor. my gut says the same as yours, but HPD says the washers need GFCI’s. probably not worth the fight.

dorkofwindsor | 7 years and 6 months ago

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Not an expert, but if it is in a “laundry closet” it is supposed to be AFCI (because of the closet, not the washer). I dont believe a GFCI would be required if no sink, nor would it be practical. Mine do not have either if that is any consolation.

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GFCI for washing machine

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