Single outlet

rkhpapa · 11-01-2007, 07:13 AM

The "auxiliary" outlet near my hot air furnace is a single outlet in a 4" square box. Is that some kind of code requirement? Can I just replace that box with a deep 4" and put two duplex outlets in there?
Thanks.

jogr · 11-01-2007, 11:24 AM

The way to find out is to call your local building authority. You might or might not need a dedicated circuit for whatever this outlet is for. Do you know what the outlet was put there for?

moneymgmt · 11-01-2007, 12:25 PM

I was just about to post a similar question....

Does the furnace need to be on a separate circuit or can power be run from a nearby outlet?

47_47 · 11-01-2007, 12:45 PM

Good question. Every house I owned did have it on a seperate circuit, with a disconnect (on/off) switch near it though. I do know that sump pumps must be on their own.

J. V. · 11-01-2007, 01:35 PM

What do you mean by "auxiliary" outlet? If it is part of the furnace you just need to ask the manufacturer.

Andy in ATL · 11-01-2007, 03:09 PM

I bet a dollar it is on a single outlet because it is in a basement. The original electrician installed a single recp. to avoid putting in a GFCI.

If you replaced the single recp. with two duplexes and I am in fact correct in my assumptions, then you would have to protect this circuit with a GFCI.

Interestingly enough, In 2008 NEC the rules change for basements and garages, with the elemination of the exception for single recps on normally protected circuits. Now how big a nerd am I for already having my '08 codebook when GA won't adopt until '09??

rkhpapa · 11-04-2007, 07:49 AM

Thanks for the responses, guys. I took the time to follow the romex back to the box. The furnace itself is hardwired on an individual circuit. The outlet I was talking about is one of two that is run off another circuit that provides current for the humidifier motor, evaporator pump, etc. I can't see any good reason why it wasn't a duplex, though. I guess my question stands. The GFI answer was a good one, but there's already two outlets on the run. If you're gonna put an outlet there, and everything is low current, why just a single receptacle and not a duplex?

chris75 · 11-04-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 47_47

I do know that sump pumps must be on their own.

What code requires this?

chris75 · 11-04-2007, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkhpapa

Thanks for the responses, guys. I took the time to follow the romex back to the box. The furnace itself is hardwired on an individual circuit. The outlet I was talking about is one of two that is run off another circuit that provides current for the humidifier motor, evaporator pump, etc. I can't see any good reason why it wasn't a duplex, though. I guess my question stands. The GFI answer was a good one, but there's already two outlets on the run. If you're gonna put an outlet there, and everything is low current, why just a single receptacle and not a duplex?

Maybe thats all the guy had on his truck... sometimes you have to use what you have on your truck.