One of the most frustrating things is the amount of space a standard GFCI occupies in a receptacle box. Due to the required electronics, your typical GFCI outlet will necessitate cramming a lot into a small space. This means that whenย wiringย a GFCI, you may need to adjust your approach to wiring. All this, simply to accommodate the densely-packed electrical box. Using the Leviton SmartlockPro Slim Self-Testing GFCI gives you a real solution. But does it really revolutionize how small a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle can be? Letโs find out.
Installing and Using the Leviton Slim GFCI Outlet
Theย Leviton SmartlockPro Slim GFCIย shaves a full 25% off the depth of a standard GFCI. We planned to test it by replacing an existing GFCI placed within an outdoor outlet. The bell box limited the amount of depth we had in which to install our GFCI outlet before adding the cover. Using the existing outlet didnโt allow the cover to fully compress the outdoor seal.
As you can see below, replacing the standard GFCI with the slim gave me a bit more room, letting me secure the cover more tightly to the bell box, preventing leaks. Still, itโs not a huge gain.
Leviton SmartlockPro Slim Self-Testing GFCI Features
One advanced feature of the Leviton SmartlockPro Self-Test GFCI is that it automatically tests itself every 15 minutes to confirm that protected power is available. Itโs also, of course, slimโa feature that marks all members of the SmartlockPro Slim series.
Leviton also includes its patented SmartlockPro Reset Lockout Technology. This prevents resetting the device if the GFCI cannot respond to a ground fault. Highlighting the self-test functionality are two LED indicator lights and an audible tone that signals the operating status. The deviceโs patented bridge contact design provides individual sets of contacts for both the GFCI receptacle and any downstream receptacles.
Final Thoughts
If you think youโre going to save 1/2-inch on installation, realize that these โthinโ GFCI outlets merely shave a little bit off the depth. In practical use, they donโt remove much more than 1/8 inch from the back of the outlet. Ensuring you strip your Romex outer sheath and using a deep single- or double-gang outlet box will accomplish much more. Still, itโs great to see any movement in helping make GFCI outlets more compact.
It goes without saying (but weโll say it anyway) that the Leviton SmartlockPro Slim line meets and exceeds Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. Our model also meets the NEC requirement for tamper-resistance. The SmartlockPro Self-Test GFCI is available anywhere Leviton products are sold.
For more information, visit www.leviton.com.
