# ANSI GFCI duplex receptacle plan symbol

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/ansi-gfci-duplex-receptacle
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: GFCI
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: GFCI duplex receptacle
US architectural electrical plan practice in the ANSI Y32.9 lineage, read alongside IEEE 315 context; independently drawn, not a certified IEEE or ANSI graphic.
Related representation: [Duplex power receptacle](https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-duplex-power-receptacle)

US plan symbol for a duplex receptacle with built-in ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection, tagged GFCI.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI GFCI duplex receptacle plan mean?

A GFCI receptacle includes a ground-fault circuit interrupter that trips on a small residual current, protecting people in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors. The plan uses the duplex receptacle form with GFCI or GFI written beside it.

### A simple example

A GFCI receptacle can also protect downstream receptacles wired from its load terminals. Plans sometimes show this by tagging only the first device and noting protected outlets, so the installer must read notes to wire the line and load terminals correctly.

### What the drawings help you do

The tag says protection is at the receptacle. It does not say whether a GFCI breaker in the panel would be acceptable instead, and it does not show which downstream outlets are protected unless noted.

### This particular reference

US plan symbol for a duplex receptacle with built-in ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection, tagged GFCI. An IEC RCD-protected outlet performs a similar function under a different convention and tag.

### Terms

- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/)
- [Residual current device categories](https://www.se.com/au/en/faqs/FAQ000218859/)
- [Form factors of residual-current devices](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Form_factors_of_RCDs)


## What it represents

A GFCI receptacle includes a ground-fault circuit interrupter that trips on a small residual current, protecting people in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors. The plan uses the duplex receptacle form with GFCI or GFI written beside it.
A GFCI receptacle can also protect downstream receptacles wired from its load terminals. Plans sometimes show this by tagging only the first device and noting protected outlets, so the installer must read notes to wire the line and load terminals correctly.
The tag says protection is at the receptacle. It does not say whether a GFCI breaker in the panel would be acceptable instead, and it does not show which downstream outlets are protected unless noted.

## How to read it

- Check notes for downstream receptacles protected from the load side.
- Do not confuse GFCI with AFCI, which addresses arcing faults.

## Information to show or reference

- Identify the protecting device for every protected outlet.
- Tag weatherproof covers where outdoors.
- Keep test button accessible.

## Important distinction

An IEC RCD-protected outlet performs a similar function under a different convention and tag.

## Facts

- Protection: Ground-fault interrupter in the receptacle
- Typical locations: Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors
- Artwork scope: Original educational illustration; the exact ANSI or IEEE graphic and compliance are not certified

## Public references

- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/) — IEEE Standards Association. Graphic-symbol standards context and official status; not a source of reproduced artwork.
- [Residual current device categories](https://www.se.com/au/en/faqs/FAQ000218859/) — Schneider Electric. Manufacturer explanation of residual-current device types and categories.
- [Form factors of residual-current devices](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/Form_factors_of_RCDs) — Schneider Electric — Electrical Installation Guide. Explains the physical forms residual-current protection can take, including socket-outlet integration.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.