Does an inside the cabinet outlet need gfci

gfci

I have an outlet inside a base cabinet that powers the downdraft for the cooktop.
It trips the gfci on the counter from which it is fed.
Can I feed this cabinet outlet which only serves the downdraft without gfci protection?

Best Answer

There are some rare kitchen GFCI exceptions - e.g., refrigerator, but only when it is a single receptacle (not the usual duplex), but I doubt the downdraft would get an exemption because there is no real basis for that - as opposed to a refrigerator where there is a real risk of serious harm (both monetary and health) due to spoilage.

But more importantly, if it is tripping the GFCI then you very likely have an actual Ground Fault. Fix the problem, don't bypass it. I would be particularly concerned with a downdraft because things happen fast when cooking - spills & thrills & wet hands & steam - not a good place to have an actual ground fault within easy reach.