GFCI brand opinions?

DoctorWho · 07-08-2011, 03:21 AM

Hey guys I'm still rewiring my garage (takes me forever to do anything

) But I had some problems with my GFCI breaker tripping, over and over until I could narrow it down to a bad fluorescent light fixture.

BUT doing all that running down to the basement just to reset really made me want to put GFCI outlets in the garage so I can just swap the breaker to a normal 20A.

Already got two of these: Hubbell GF5350IA

Brand any good? Got 'em cheap off Ebay NIB from some surplus electrical supply places.

In case you're wondering, I got faceless because they'll be mounted high on the wall where my two 20A lines enter the garage so I can run the GFCI's first and put all the other loads down-stream. I wanted them to be "GFCI switches" and nothing else.

Just wondering if this is a good brand or what? I considered going the even more cheapo route and using Harbor Freight stuff, but wasn't sure they wouldn't trip all the time. (or trip at all when they actually need to

) plus they don't have faceless ones.

Oh, and also wanted to know if there's any issue mounting two of these (for two separate 20A lines) in the same double-ganger box? Or would separate boxes be better?

rjniles · 07-08-2011, 06:27 AM

2 in the same box is fine but don't mount them where you can not reach them. You have to be able to test or rest them without a ladder.

Also some GFCI's that you buy on eBay are older models that do not meet current code but you should be OK with "dead front" models

jbfan · 07-08-2011, 07:27 AM

Never buy anything that may be needed to protect your life from HF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DoctorWho · 07-08-2011, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbfan

Never buy anything that may be needed to protect your life from HF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lol, my reasoning exactly!

I'm not going to mount them on the roof! Just right above head-level, easily within reach. Been reading stuff all morning and looks like they're a pretty good brand, I'd never heard of Hubbell before buying these, just wanted to make sure they weren't chinese garbage (like most things on ebay these days).

Jim Port · 07-08-2011, 10:19 AM

Hubbell has always be on the more expensive side of wiring devices.

SD515 · 07-08-2011, 05:53 PM

The Hubbell’s I’ve installed were nice. Seemed to have the quality. Easy to install. Course I didn’t have to buy ‘em….Boss just said, “Here ya go….have a nice day”.

DoctorWho · 07-09-2011, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Hubbell has always be on the more expensive side of wiring devices.

Paid about $8 each plus S&H of course but still way cheaper than retail.

mysterylectric · 07-09-2011, 04:41 AM

Actually I've had a bee in my bonnet about the apparent quality of GFCI's for a long time now. Maybe I'm a brute but every... shall we say readily available brand... seems to crumble in my hand like a dried flower. Anyone know of a... filled body GFCI as opposed to eggshell construction for just a few dollars more?

SD515 · 07-09-2011, 07:29 AM

Leviton 'Smartlock Pro' series. Try electrical supply houses, not the big box stores.

DoctorWho · 07-13-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjniles

2 in the same box is fine but don't mount them where you can not reach them. You have to be able to test or rest them without a ladder.

Hey guys, got one of the gfci's installed and tested, everything I wired works perfect! I do have a follow up question though about putting both gfci into one double-gang box. Is it still okay if each is not only on a separate 20A breaker, but also from an entirely separate "service drop"-not sure if that's the term.
I have 2 meters and 2 panels and a 20A line from each panel is running to the garage. So I'm still not sure if it's okay for them to share grounding through the double-gang box? Hope that makes sense.
If needed I thought I could just move one of the 20A lines so they're both in the same panel, but only if I have to. ??

brric · 07-13-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorWho

Hey guys, got one of the gfci's installed and tested, everything I wired works perfect! I do have a follow up question though about putting both gfci into one double-gang box. Is it still okay if each is not only on a separate 20A breaker, but also from an entirely separate "service drop"-not sure if that's the term.
I have 2 meters and 2 panels and a 20A line from each panel is running to the garage. So I'm still not sure if it's okay for them to share grounding through the double-gang box? Hope that makes sense.
If needed I thought I could just move one of the 20A lines so they're both in the same panel, but only if I have to. ??

No problem at all.

mysterylectric · 07-13-2011, 09:07 PM

I'm gonna check out those SmartPros, I saw a pic from the rear and they have 4 steel screws holding front to back... impressed already! And they seem to be only a few dollars more... thanks for the tip!

SD515 · 07-13-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysterylectric

I'm gonna check out those SmartPros, I saw a pic from the rear and they have 4 steel screws holding front to back... impressed already! And they seem to be only a few dollars more... thanks for the tip!

Hope you like 'em