# What happens when a GCFI outlet gets submerged? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 14, 2020, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gcfi-outlet-gets-submerged/918089 "2020-08-14T14:37:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2020, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gcfi-outlet-gets-submerged/918089/21 "2020-08-20T16:13:41Z")
Pool pumps makes sense, as if there was a short, then it would be electrifying the pool. Not healthy for swimmers. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2020, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gcfi-outlet-gets-submerged/918089/22 "2020-08-31T22:23:56Z")
A lot of the exceptions where a GFCI is not required call for the fridge, sump pump, etc. to be plugged into a single receptacle rather than the usual double or duplex type so the unprotected outlet is not readily used for something else. There are also height-based exceptions for not “readily accessible” receptacles up high for things like garage door openers, or behind a fridge. One exception to the exceptions is outlets under the eaves for Christmas lights do need to be GFCI protected. ---
**Author:** ![K2500](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f6c823/32.png) [@K2500](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K2500)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2020, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gcfi-outlet-gets-submerged/918089/23 "2020-08-31T23:29:41Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > What I was likely thinking about it an online discussion I was reading, years ago, where people (mostly electricians) saying that some motors tend to trip GFCIs and they try to avoid having to install them in those locations. I think when afci’s came out there were reports that brushed motor loads would cuase tripping. There may have been similar concerns with gfci’s but I dont recal those. Do you recall what forum it was? ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2020, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gcfi-outlet-gets-submerged/918089/24 "2020-09-01T01:36:13Z")
> [@K2500](#): > > I think when afci’s came out there were reports that brushed motor loads would cuase tripping. There may have been similar concerns with gfci’s but I dont recal those. Do you recall what forum it was? MikeHolt maybe? It’s where I tend to find myself when I’m trying to get some clarification on something in the NEC. Also, the website has, IMO, the best diagrams you’ll find for how various circuits and components should (and should not) be wired. The forums seem to be filled with a lot of electricians, contractors and local inspectors and they, while I’ve never posted there, always seem to be very helpful to homeowners with questions. ---
**Author:** ![K2500](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f6c823/32.png) [@K2500](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K2500)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2020, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gcfi-outlet-gets-submerged/918089/25 "2020-09-01T22:23:42Z")
Thats a good one. I’ve gathered a lot of info from there over the years. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gcfi-outlet-gets-submerged/918089.md?page=1)