Can I install two independent gfci outlets in one double-gang box?

Question

Cam I have two GFCIs connected to one double gang box in my laundry room and if so can I do a single line connection so that they both can work independently?

I have a 12/2 going from the panel through conduit (copper wire) to the double gang box. I want to have each GFCI to run independently without using the load. Why, in case one shuts off the other isn't affected. the double gang box is standard. the device is a Leviton 20 amps. I was told that you can run 12/2 from the panel to the first GFCI black and white. Then connect the second GFCI using a jumper and attaching it to he second GFCI. Is this acceptable by code. we use a washer,dryer in the laundry and the garage heavy machinery. so why should this be a problem running two independent?

Answer 1

Take the incoming hot (black) and wirenut it to black pigtails going to the brass LINE HOT screws on each GFCI. Take the incoming neutral (white) and wirenut it to white pigtails going to the silver LINE NEUTRAL screws on each GFCI. Take all the grounds and wirenut them to each other and to bare pigtails to the green ground screws on each GFCI -- if you're in metal conduit with metal boxes, simply get self-grounding GFCIs instead.

With a single 12-2 and two yokes, you'll be nowhere near box fill for a double gang box, by the way.

Answer 2

A double gang box will be able to hold 2 separate GFCI outlets. The only question would be on the box fill calculation if they are fed from separate circuits and then have additional devices on their load side a deep box may be needed. If both GFCI's are fed from the same circuit and no or 1 cable feeding additional devices you should be fine. If you post the size of the box, wire size and how many circuits in and out of the box we can tell you if it is code compliant. (I would guess the wire size is 12 since you want to use 20 amp GFCI's ) but some people want 20 amp devices on 15 amp circuits just want to make sure we give you correct information.

Answer 3

Absolutely. Pigtail or jumper (if allowed).

Start by taping over the LOAD terminals on each GFCI, as you will not be using them.

Jumper (if allowed)

This won't work unless your first GFCI receptacle is listed for two-wire connection. Typically GCI's have only one screw or one backstab, and you can't use both at once. And in particular you can't use backstabs with 12 AWG wire.

However, some receptacles, particularly the better Levitons, don't have backstabs but instead have screw-secured clamps - like a backstab except you tighten the screw to clamp it. Those often accept 2 wires. That is the kind you need to do this.

U-loop connections

I'm not a fan of this, but some people strip an inch of insulation off the feed wire, about 8" back from the end, They bend the bared wire into a U-shape. Then they hook the U over the terminal screw on the first receptacle, shape it tight, and tighten the screw.

When the first outlet is done, then you attach the remaining tail to the second outlet in the normal fashion.

Pigtails

This method is much easier if you are straining to reach the receptacle location.

Attach 6" of black, white and green pigtails to the LINE side of each of the two GFCI receptacles. You can do this anywhere convenient, i.e. the bench.

Then get three wire nuts. Nut together both outlet blacks(hots) with the supply black/hot. Do the same with the whites/neutrals. Do the same with the grounds.

Test, button everything up, and done.