CSLB C-10 Electrical ContractorPlanning and EstimatingEasy

A blueprint for a small commercial tenant improvement shows a symbol for a duplex receptacle with a small 'G' inside a triangle next to it. What does this symbol indicate?

  1. AGeneral-purpose receptacle
  2. BGround fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle
  3. CGenerator connection point
  4. DGrounding electrode conductor connection
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle

In electrical blueprints, a triangle with a 'G' or 'GF' inside it, next to a receptacle symbol, is the standard representation for a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacle. This indicates that the receptacle provides protection against ground faults.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Incorrect. A standard duplex receptacle is typically just a circle with two diagonal lines; no 'G' in a triangle.
  • C. Incorrect. A generator connection point would have a distinct symbol, possibly involving a generator schematic or a specific type of disconnect.
  • D. Incorrect. A grounding electrode conductor connection would be part of a grounding system detail, not typically marked with this symbol on a receptacle.

GFCI Receptacle Symbol

A standard electrical blueprint symbol, typically a receptacle icon with an adjacent triangle containing a 'G' or 'GF', indicating a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter protected receptacle.

  • GFCI receptacles provide personnel protection against electric shock.
  • Required in specific locations like bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors, and garages (CEC 210.8).
  • The symbol is critical for proper material takeoffs and installation planning.

Memory trick: Receptacle's mark tells its special function.

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