Does a GFCI round 4” cover exist?

[Klutch9]

I have this outlet under my kitchen sink. For some reason, the outlet has a round box and uses a 4” plate to cover. Not sure why they usd this type of J box back when the house was wired in the 50s. Works fine with the standard outlet that’s in it, but it really should be GFCI. I’ve done some searching online, but I cannot find a cheap plate like this that supports the rectangular opening of a GFCI. Do they exist?

 

[jhellwig]

Is the box actually round or just the cover?

A GFCI won’t fit in a round box.

 

[Klutch9]

Is the box actually round or just the cover?

A GFCI won’t fit in a round box.

Yes, box is round. I was worried they didn’t fit. Don’t they make extension rings? It might look odd but it’s under the sink.

 

[jhellwig]

They do make extensions but I don’t think a gfci fits inside the box no matter the depth.

Your picture looks like it might be a 3” round box that someone modified a 4” cover onto.

 

[Klutch9]

They do make extensions but I don’t think a gfci fits inside the box no matter the depth.

Your picture looks like it might be a 3” round box that someone modified a 4” cover onto.

Very well could be haha. It’s been so long since I’ve had that cover off. There was so much sketchy electrical when we bought this house.

 

[redhat]

From looking, it doesn't look like a GFCI/decorator style cover exists for 3" or 4" round boxes.

I think I'd probably take the outlet out and cut out the old box with a multi tool. Then depending upon what's inside the wall, take the multi tool and cut out for a single gang (if there isn't much of the wall already cut out) or a double-gang old work box... tabs that wing out when tightened. Then install a new cover for a decorator/GFCI plug with the new outlet and a blank if you have to.

 

[Rand]

would a lo-profile gfci fit?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...-Outlet-White-R72-GFNT1-0RW/205996720#overlay

 

[Klutch9]

would a lo-profile gfci fit?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...-Outlet-White-R72-GFNT1-0RW/205996720#overlay

I think the issue is the “footprint” of the GFCI, not the depth. Although, I have very old single gang boxes in this house that are as shallow as physically possible. Makes installing wifi switches fun!

 

[Klutch9]

From looking, it doesn't look like a GFCI/decorator style cover exists for 3" or 4" round boxes.

I think I'd probably take the outlet out and cut out the old box with a multi tool. Then depending upon what's inside the wall, take the multi tool and cut out for a single gang (if there isn't much of the wall already cut out) or a double-gang old work box... tabs that wing out when tightened. Then install a new cover for a decorator/GFCI plug with the new outlet and a blank if you have to.

I was really hoping to not have to remove the old box. But it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I’m not even sure I need a GFCI there… the hot/cold water shutoff is right above the outlet, and it’s technically within 6’ of the sink, since it’s under the sink. Seems like a good idea.

 

[doitmyself]

This page shows 2 4 inch round covers with rectangular opening: https://buyriteelectric.com/product...mis4xpwdtxigmv51z_ar1anwcbeaqybcabegieafd_bwe

I wonder if you use the round metal cover first, then install the plastic one over the GFCI???

Found these:

Also consider the concept that gfci's protect zones and you might be able to locate one somewhere else on that circuit.

 

[redhat]

I was really hoping to not have to remove the old box. But it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I’m not even sure I need a GFCI there… the hot/cold water shutoff is right above the outlet, and it’s technically within 6’ of the sink, since it’s under the sink. Seems like a good idea.

Maybe the outlet is already a "child' of another GFCI in your kitchen? That would be an awesome find it it was downstream.

Also you could run a GFCI breaker that circuit. But def not as cheap as a GFCI outlet. They are pricey!

I am not an electrical code pro so you very well might not need it in this location. I am not sure.

 

[y_p_w]

I remember the first time I ever saw a GFCI outlet. Might have been back in 1980 at a relative's addition in the bathroom. It was designed for a round plate, but where the test/reset buttons were in the spot for an outlet. Leviton had already come up with Decora before then, but it wasn't necessarily that common.

It was similar to the one in the center here (the other are from before NEMA 5-15 became the standard) other than the color:

I don't know if anyone still makes GFCI like that. If not, an alternative would be a GFCI breaker and a regular outlet.

This is a Decora style opening, but I don't know if it will work with the screw position.

https://www.kyleswitchplates.com/round-decora-rocker-or-ground-fault-outlet-wall-switch-plates/

 

[Hall]

Do you have GFCI protection in the kitchen already ? If so, trip it (test) and see if that outlet loses power. If so, leave it alone - no need to put a GFCI outlet in there.

 

[Klutch9]

Do you have GFCI protection in the kitchen already ? If so, trip it (test) and see if that outlet loses power. If so, leave it alone - no need to put a GFCI outlet in there.

I don’t believe so. I seem to remember testing that when we moved it. But I’ll check again.

 

[alarmguy]

I have this outlet under my kitchen sink. For some reason, the outlet has a round box and uses a 4” plate to cover. Not sure why they usd this type of J box back when the house was wired in the 50s. Works fine with the standard outlet that’s in it, but it really should be GFCI. I’ve done some searching online, but I cannot find a cheap plate like this that supports the rectangular opening of a GFCI. Do they exist?

View attachment 258619

I wonder if this would help?
https://www.yaleelectricsupply.com/...ng-octagon-outlet-box-cover-4-inch-steel-city
https://www.radwell.com/Shop?source...clid=ADL-ffa9abeb-e5b5-4f9a-99ed-84403ae66801

 

[Klutch9]

Thanks for all the suggestions. As it turns out, I traced the wires out in my basement (unfinished ceiling), found the first J box in the kitchen outlet chain, and fed all the other outlets on that circuit from the load side of the GFCI that was already there. Now the outlet under the sink is protected. Thanks again!

 

[eljefino]

Be sure to install those little stickers that read "GFI Protected" so you or the next guy knows what's up when they pop.