Wiring switched light with GFCI
 

I am wiring a switched light over a bathtub on a new circuit with a GFCI "blank face" receptacle. What is the best way to wire the circuit?

Panel (Power) to GFCI line; GFCI load to switch line; Switch load to light

OR

Panel (Power) to switch line; switch load to GFCI line; GFCI load to light

Thanks
Glenn

FYI, the light doesn't require GFCI protection per code... And I like to hit the GFCI device first, this way if a dimmer is installed, it will not affect the GFCI device.

Any reason uou are using a dead front GFCI-they are expensive? I would install a 2 gang box at the switch location and install the switch and a GFCI receptacle.

I think they are 7 bucks more than a GFCI receptacle, no? Also, when I do use a receptacle or faceless GFCI for the above application, I like to drop them low so you don't have to really look at them... ;)

I realize this, but makes the other half more comfortable as another bathroom in the house does have a GFCI in the circuit for a light over a shower. Not a big deal to add, have walls open.


Had a couple in my cache from previous work I have done and the bathroom already has enough receptacles.

Tell the other half it's a secondary protection only, the EGC will trump any GFCI device any day of the week, so the odds of it ever being used are pretty slim. :)

Thanks stickboy. I think I will still include it in the circuit.

I was thinking of wiring it as you recommended (there is no dimmer in the circuit). If I do wire it that way, should the neutral to the light come back and be tied into the GFCI load side or is it fine to be on the switch,

Thanks again,

No matter how you do it, the GFCI requires line in, line out.

stickboy, Got it

An existing circuit in another bathroom is wired as Panel (Power) to switch line, switch load to GFCI line, GFCI load to light; so I may just duplicate that wiring. (The existing bathroom was wired by a licensed electrician 10 years ago when we remodeled that section of the house)

Thanks for the help.