Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: larrybartowski, Location: New Orleans, LA
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: Use a GFCI Subpanel Install a small subpanel with GFCI protection at each pedestal. This ensures that each circuit is individually GFCI protected. Drawback: Requires additional wiring and labor.
Option 2: Install a GFCI Device at the Panel Install a GFCI breaker or GFCI outlet at the main distribution panel. This provides GFCI protection for all circuits feeding the pedestals. Drawback: If the GFCI trips, it will affect all circuits to all pedestals.
Option 3: Install a GFCI Receptacle Adapter Use a GFCI receptacle adapter between the pedestal receptacle and the user's cord. This provides GFCI protection for each individual receptacle. Drawback: May not be suitable for industrial or outdoor applications.
Option 4: Install a GFCI Transformer Install a GFCI transformer between the pedestal receptacle and the user's cord. This provides GFCI protection without affecting the circuit breaker. Drawback: Can be bulky and expensive.
Recommendation
Based on your concerns about cost and ease of use, Option 2 or Option 3 may be suitable options.
Option 2
Install a GFCI breaker or GFCI outlet at the main distribution panel. This provides GFCI protection for all circuits and is relatively easy to maintain.
Option 3
Use a GFCI receptacle adapter for each individual receptacle. This is a cost-effective solution that allows for individual GFCI protection without the need for additional wiring or components.
Additional Considerations: Ensure that the wire size and circuit breakers are properly sized to handle the load of all 16 truck heaters. Use weatherproof and corrosion-resistant materials for all electrical components installed outdoors.* Consider adding signage or instructions near the pedestals to inform users of the GFCI protection and how to reset it if necessary. Flag for review