Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: larrybartowski, Location: Savanna, IL
Asked on: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 4:47 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:48 am EDT
Question: I'm looking for some design advice. Here is what I want to do:Feed 4 exterior power pedestals (treated 4x4's) for truck heaters. Each pedestal would have 4 circuits. I would install a WP box with (2) duplex receptacles, breaking the tab on both, to allow for 4 circuits to be available per location. The problem is getting GFI protection at the pedestal.If I install more pedestals, and use a GFI for each circuit, I run the risk of 2 trucks plugging into the same GFI and circuit, which would overload the ckt. Each truck heater (16 total) needs to have it's own circuit. If I install GFI breakers 1. it's expensive (this is a bid job) and 2. if it ever tripped, the user would have to find the panel to reset it.Any advice?
Option 1: Install a Dedicated GFI Receptacle at Each Pedestal Install a single GFI receptacle per pedestal, connected to a dedicated circuit. This ensures GFI protection for each truck heater without the risk of overloading a circuit. However, it can be more expensive than other options.
Option 2: Use a GFI Circuit Breaker at the Panel Install a GFI circuit breaker in the main panel for each pedestal. This provides GFI protection for all circuits at the pedestal, eliminating the need for GFI receptacles. However, it requires a GFI circuit breaker for each circuit, which can add cost.
Option 3: Use a GFI Breaker with a Remote Trip Indicator Install a GFI circuit breaker at the panel that includes a remote trip indicator. Place the remote indicator at the pedestal so users can easily locate the tripped breaker. This reduces the inconvenience of having to locate the panel to reset a tripped breaker.
Option 4: Install a Wireless GFI Monitoring System Install a wireless GFI monitoring system that connects to the circuit breakers at the panel. The system allows users to monitor the status of GFI breakers remotely via a smartphone or web interface. If a GFI breaker trips, users can be notified and can reset it remotely.
Recommendation:
Option 3 or 4 is recommended for a balance of cost-effectiveness, safety, and convenience. Option 3 involves a slightly higher initial cost but reduces inconvenience for users in the long run. Option 4 offers the most advanced features and remote monitoring capabilities. Flag for review