Adding GFCI Outlets

Reference Number: KB-00493
Last Modified: August 13, 2021

The information in this article applies to:

Chief Architect Premier or Chief Architect Interiors



QUESTION

I would like to add GFCI outlets to my plans. How do I do this?


ANSWER

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets can be added to your plans using the dedicated GFCI Outlet tool in X13 and newer versions, or by locating and placing the GFCI library symbol in X12 and prior versions.


To add GFCI outlets in X13 and newer versions

  1. Navigate to Edit> Default Settings  from the menu, expand the Electrical category, select the General Electrical subcategory, then click Edit.

    Default Settings dialog with the General Electrical category selected


  2. In the Electrical Defaults dialog, select each of the Outlet - GFCI options that are located in the Default Library Objects list, verify that an appropriate symbol is chosen for each, then click OK and Done to close the dialog boxes.

    Electrical Defaults dialog with Outlet - GFCI selected


  3. Next, select Build> Electrical> GFCI Outlet , then click in your desired location to place an outlet.

    GFCI outlet placed on a wall in a plan view


    Much like the other Outlet tools, the GFCI Outlet tool can place receptacles on walls, the floor, and on the sides of cabinets and soffits.

    Existing 110V outlets can also be converted to GFCI outlets using the Change to GFCI Outlet  edit button. The reverse of this can be accomplished using the Change to 110V Outlet edit button.

    Additional outlet symbols can be located in the Library Browser by navigating to Chief Architect Core Catalogs> Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing> Electrical> Outlets.


    To add GFCI outlets in X12 and prior versions

    1. If the Library Browser is not already open, navigate to View> Library Browser  , then browse to Chief Architect Core Catalogs> Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing> Electrical> Outlets> Surface Mounted> 110V.

      Browsing to the Outlets folder in the Library Browser


    2. Select the GFCI outlet symbol from the library, then click along a wall or cabinet to place it.

      GFCI outlet placed onto a wall

      Note: To save time, consider adding the GFCI symbol to the User Catalog section of the Library Browser for ease of access. This can easily be done by right-clicking on a GFCI symbol that has been added to your plan, then selecting the Add to Library edit button.

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