Re: Arc Fault GFCI confusion

["Robert L Bass" <RobertLBass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Rich" wrote:
>
> Here in our town the AHJ Chief electrical inspector. will allow you
> to have a single duplex grounded non-GFI receptacle in the basement
> for your alarm transform.
>
> But because you need the mounting screw of a duplex and not a
> single receptacle to mount the transformer.
> He makes you cut off the taps to the top half and silicone it shut.

In Connecticut GFCI protection was only required if the outlet was
below grade or in a wet location (kitchen, bath, laundry, etc).  Our
solution was to mount either a single quad or two duplex outlets on
the alarm backboard above grade level.  That gave me room for more
than one transformer plus power for light and tools next to the
panel.

BTW, if the job entails multiple power supplies and other
wall-mounted stuff, I like to have a shelf for tools, manuals and
stuff.  When doing integrated systems consider installing a half or
even full sheet of 1" exterior grade plywood on the basement wall.
You can mount a multi-outlet power strip near the top and plug in all
your wall warts there.  I sometimes used to nail studs to the
basement wall (nail gun) and mount the plywood to them, leaving a
hollow chase behind to drop my cables.  Then I'd use the large
knockouts on the backs of the panels to bring the wires in through
the plywood.  The effect is nice and clean -- no wires visible
outside the boxes -- but you have to fuss with them a bit more to
make everything stay neat inside the boxes.  You also need to leave a
gap hear the ceiling so you can easily fish new cables in later if
needed.

Borrowing from a tip in one of the trade rags many years ago, I used
to buy ACX (waterproof and very smooth on the good side) plywood and
either shellac it or paint it gray before mounting.  If I had some
spare time I would pre-cut the cable holes and mount the cans on the
back board at the office, run interconnect cables as needed, then
bring it over in the van and hang the whole thing at once.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-232-0791
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================>