Can I move a GFCI receptacle?

Rick Jay wrote:
martipr,

Perhaps I'm a bit thick here...but I don't fully understand the reasoning behind swapping one GFCI for another GFCI outlet? Is that what you're asking, or are you asking about swapping the GFCI outlet (the one with the test/reset buttons) with a regular outlet? There should only be one GFCI outlet (with buttons) on any branch circuit. If you have two, then you most likely have GFCI protection on 2 different electrical circuit branches. Or am I misreading your posts?

If I may tie some pieces together, some of this has been said and you may already know the rest, but just in case...

When a GFCI outlet is installed it can be wired in such a way that only that outlet is protected or such that it and all outlets "downstream" are protected. Any outlets between the breaker panel and the GFCI will not be ground fault protected. Usually, they should be installed in a location where it's easy to reach/test/reset. Apparently yours doesn't sound like it is.

If you're not sure which outlets are protected by this outlet, you can buy one of these GFCI Testers at most hardware stores and use it to see which outlets trip the GFCI and which do not.

If you can find the wires feeding this GFCI, another options is to install a more readily accessible outlet upstream of this GFCI so that it will be easier to test & reset.(They should be tested every month. They are known to fail.) Wire it in so all of the downstream outlets are protected as well.

Someone else mentioned installing a GFCI breaker in your main panel. That should also be an option, you just have to know the manufacturer of your panel and take a trip to an electrical supply shop or large hardware store and pickup what you need. I'd probably recommend bringing one of your current breakers with you to make sure you get the proper breaker.

As a side note, I've always found it interesting that motorhome manufacturers have such confidence in their roof structure and sealing procedures that they see the need to GFCI protect the outlets up front above the cab area. One of our first camping trips, we were watching the TV at night and all of a sudden the TV/DVD player shut down. I checked the main panel in the motorhome, checked the power at the pedastal. All was good. Then it occurred to me, our then 4 year old daughter was on the potty, and apparently the red & black GFCI buttons on the outlet were too tempting to resist. So, lesson learned. Thought it odd our rig was wired that way, but apparently many are.

Good Luck,

~Rick

My TT has 4 GFCI outlets only one of which has a reset button. That one is hidden in the back of the entertainment center behind the TV. I want to put a GFCI outlet without a reset in that position and put the GfCI outlet with reset in the more accesable location. I assume the outlet behind the TV is a GFCI because it is on the wall behind the shower so I don't want to put a standard outlet there.