Can A Homeowner Safely Use A 15-amp, 120-volt, Type-A, 3-prong Residential GFCI Outlet To Replace An Existing Ungrounded 2-prong Outlet In A Kitchen, Specifically When The Kitchen Has A 20-amp, 240-volt Electric Range Wired To A Dedicated 4-wire Circuit, And The GFCI Outlet Would Be Installed On A Separate 20-amp, 120-volt Branch Circuit For Countertop Appliances?

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Yes, you can safely replace the existing ungrounded 2-prong outlet with a 3-prong GFCI outlet, provided you follow these guidelines:

  1. Circuit Requirements: Ensure the 20-amp, 120-volt branch circuit is properly grounded. Since your kitchen has a 4-wire circuit for the electric range, the grounding system is likely in place, making the installation feasible.

  2. GFCI Outlet Rating: While a 15-amp GFCI outlet can be used on a 20-amp circuit, it's advisable to use a 20-amp GFCI outlet to match the circuit's rating. This ensures consistency and avoids potential confusion, although a 15-amp outlet is still safe as it limits the current to its rating.

  3. Installation: Verify that the circuit has a ground wire. If present, install the 3-prong GFCI outlet, ensuring all wires (hot, neutral, ground) are correctly connected.

  4. Safety Benefits: Upgrading to a GFCI outlet enhances safety, especially in a kitchen, by providing ground fault protection.

In summary, replacing the outlet is safe and recommended for improved safety, ideally using a 20-amp GFCI outlet to match the circuit.