4/22/2014

NEC Requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) | Code Basics content from Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine
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HO M E > NEC > C O DE B A SI C S > NEC REQ U I REM ENTS FO R GRO U ND- FA U LT C I RC U I T I NTERRU P TERS (GFC I )

NEC Requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

Mike Holt | Electrical Construction and Maintenance
SHARE EMAIL In an effort to safeguard even more electrical installations, the NEC has expanded requirements for GFCI-type receptacles. Since 1971, the NEC has expanded the requirements for ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to protect anyone who plugs into an electrical system. Initially, it was only required for temporary wiring at construction sites and in dwelling unit bathrooms, but in recent years Advertisement What is in this article?: NEC Requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) Sidebar: 2002 NEC GFCI References Tw eet Recom m end 12

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Mar 1, 2002
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Since 1971, the NEC has expanded the requirements for ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to protect anyone who plugs into an electrical system. Initially, it was only required for temporary wiring at construction sites and in dwelling unit bathrooms, but in recent years the Code requirements for GFCI protection have expanded to include many other areas, including commercial occupancies, fountains and swimming pools, and temporary installations, to name a few. (For a complete list of 2002 NEC references, see the sidebar below)

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Commercial occupancies. Per 210.8, you must install GFCI protection for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles located in bathrooms, rooftops, and kitchens in commercial/industrial facilities. However, GFCI protection is not required for receptacles installed outside a commercial or industrial occupancy. In addition, 210.63 requires you to install a 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet within 25 ft of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The only exception to this rule is that you need not install GFCI protection for fixed electric snow melting or de-icing equipment receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a dedicated branch circuit in accordance with 426.28.

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Every receptacle installed in kitchens must be GFCI-protected. This new rule sets up an interesting situation. Sec. 210.8(A)(6) for dwelling units only requires GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed to serve dwelling unit kitchen counter surfaces. However, 210.8(B)(3) requires all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in a commercial kitchen to be GFCI-protected. Dwelling units. As noted above, GFCI protection has been required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in the bathroom area of a dwelling unit for more than 20 yr. GFCI protection devices are also required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles located in garages and grade-level portions of unfinished or finished accessory buildings used for storage or work areas of a dwelling unit [210.8(A)(2)]. However, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule. GFCI protection is not required for receptacles that are not readily accessible, such as a ceiling-mounted receptacle for a garage door opener. Nor are they required for a receptacle on a dedicated branch circuit located and identified for a cordand-plug-connected appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer. What about those receptacles located outdoors? Per 210.8(A)(3), all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles outside of a dwelling unit, including receptacles installed under the eaves of roofs, shall be GFCI-protected. The only exception to this rule is that GFCI protection is not required for fixed electric snow melting or de-icing equipment receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a dedicated branch circuit in accordance with 426.28. What about crawl spaces and unfinished areas of the basement? Once again, all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed within a dwelling unit crawl space [210.8(4)] or in each unfinished portion of a basement not intended as a habitable room but used for storage or as a work area [210.8(5)], must be GFCI-protected. However, the Code does note a few exceptions to these rules: GFCI protection is not required for receptacles that are not readily accessible or are located on a dedicated branch circuit and identified for a specific cordand-plug-connected appliance, such as a sump pump. Don't forget kitchen or wet bar areas. Per 210.8(A)(6), GFCI protection is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles that serve kitchen countertop surfaces in a dwelling unit (Fig. 1 on page 54). GFCI protection is not required for receptacles serving appliances like dishwashers, or convenience receptacles that do not supply countertop surfaces. Receptacles installed within 6 ft of the outside edge of a wet bar sink must also be GFCIprotected [210.8(A)(7)]. However, GFCI protection is not required for receptacles not intended to serve wet bar countertop surfaces, such as refrigerators, ice makers, water heaters, or convenience receptacles that do not supply counter-top surfaces. Receptacle replacement.

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What happens when you're working at a previously unprotected location that now requires GFCI protection? It's no longer acceptable to replace an old, unprotected receptacle with a new, unprotected receptacle. Per 406.3(D)(2), you now must install a GFCI-protected device. What if you come across a non-grounding type receptacle or an old 2-wire NM cable without a ground? These receptacles can be replaced with one of the following: Another non-grounding type receptacle. A GFCI-receptacle, if marked No Equipment Ground. A grounding type receptacle, if GFCI protected and marked GFCI Protected and No
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NEC Requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) | Code Basics content from Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine

Equipment Ground. The equipment-grounding conductor plays no part in the operation of a GFCI, so it will provide ground-fault protection even on a 2-wire circuit without an equipmentgrounding conductor. Permanent swimming pools.
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The Code also requires GFCI protection for luminaries, lighting outlets, circulation and sanitation system equipment, and pump motor receptacles located near swimming pools. Per 680.22(A)(5), all 125V receptacles located within 6 m (20 ft) of the walls of a pool or fountain must be protected by a GFCI. In addition, receptacles that supply pool pump motors and that are rated 15A or 20A, 120V through 240V, single phase, must have GFCI protection. And you must install a GFCI in the branch circuit supplying luminaries operating at more than 15V. If the pool is equipped with an electrically operated pool cover, this too must be GFCI-protected. Temporary installations. In accordance with 527.6(A) and (B), you should always install GFCI devices on temporary wiring systems to protect workers during construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment or similar activities. All 15A, 20A, and 30A, 125V receptacle outlets that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure shall be equipped with GFCI protection. If a 15A, 20A, or 30A, 125V receptacle is part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and it is used for temporary electric power, GFCI protection for workers must be provided. There is an exception to this rule. In industrial establishments where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified personnel are involved, an assured equipment grounding conductor program as specified in 527.6(B)(2) is permitted for only those receptacle outlets used to supply equipment that would create a greater hazard if power was interrupted or those that have a design that is not compatible with GFCI protection. Conclusion. Creating safe installations for the public is an important job for any electrical worker. And to that end, the expanding requirements in the 2002 NEC for GFCI-type receptacles go a long way to protect the public and construction workers alike.

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Discuss this Article

Larry C (not verif ied)

on Ju n 1 8 , 2 0 1 2

In areas where their is a receptle with in 6 foot of a sink does the receptle need to be a GFI or does the GFI need only to be in the same electrical corcit as the receptle? Cose Number if y ou can. Thanks Larry
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Danny Baize (not verif ied)

on Ju l 2 4 , 2 0 1 2

Wouldn't a GFCI be required for water bottle ty pe fountains if receptacle is just below where y ou would replace bottles? Doesn't seem to be in NEC.
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4/22/2014

NEC Requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) | Code Basics content from Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine
Anony mous (not verif ied)
on Feb 2 8 , 2 0 1 3

Water bottle ty pe dispensers are considered portable, the NEC only requires fix ed dispensers to be GFCI protected.This is ex plained in the NEC handbook.
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D GARNER (not verif ied)

on Sep 2 6 , 2 0 1 2

ARE GFCIs required for washing machines in a laundry room of a child dev elopment center there are no sinks in the room
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Dec 2 , 2 0 1 2

Are ALL electrical outlets in a bathroom required by code to be gfci receptacles? Is there a distance requirement from the water source, such as a sink faucet, to the outlet before it must be gfci rated? Also, what if the sink is a pedestal and there is no countertop? Does an outlet near the faucet still need to be gfci rated?
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wizdawiz (not verif ied)

on Nov 2 6 , 2 0 1 3

Again, most code is written as a response to certain perceiv ed real-life dangers and conditions which hav e arisen ov er time. For instance, although this pedastal doesn't (or BECAUSE it doesn't) hav e a conv enient "counter ty pe" area where one would easily place an electric razor, or hair dry er--just use y our imagination--an adult or y ounger person is using a hair dry er to dry out clothing in the bathroom, and or they 're shav ing with a partially clogged sink and this electric powered item falls / slips into the sink. Most "knee-jerk" reactions are to reach for and "sav e" this item, NOT fully realizing the immediate danger ! ! ! Also, I cringe when thinking of this--I hav e seen instances where, in a busy , busy household where an infant is being bathed in the bathtup or sink all while another is using an electrical appliance ! ! ! Well, I made it clear that ev en if y ou DO hav e GFCI, there is NO GUARANTEE the circuit protector would work as designed, and ev en if it did that the person (infant, or older) would be protected. The best protection is, as alway s, time a few seconds to look around and run a "worst-case-scenario" through y our mind--both while planning the placement of fix tures as well as the use of fix tures and appliances ! ! !
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RAUL HODALGO

on Ja n 8 , 2 0 1 3

NEC STATES THAT ALL OUTLETS WITHIN A 6FEET RADIUS OF A SINK MUST BE GFCI PROTECTED IN CASE THE OUTLET IS OUT OF THIS AREA BUT STILL INSIDE THE BATHROOM COMMON SENSE DICTATES IT SHOULD BE GFCI PROTECTED
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Ja n 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

V ery helpful
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Feb 6 , 2 0 1 3

Whats the difference in these new GFCIs for outside application? Cant use just a normal GFCI, its gotta be "Weather Proof". Sounds like a scam.
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Ma r 2 2 , 2 0 1 3

In commericial applications where there is a sink what is the distance requirement on

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4/22/2014

NEC Requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) | Code Basics content from Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine
gfi receptacles? Does it remain the same as the residential code?
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Ma y 9 , 2 0 1 3

Can I plug in a TRC SHOCK SHIELD GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MODEL 1 47 40L-002B 1 20V - 30AMP - 60HZ - 3600W to an electrical supply at a campground as a surge protector for a trav el trailer? Will it protect from lightning strikes?
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Ma y 1 5 , 2 0 1 3

Apples and Oranges. The Shock Shield GFCI will protect y ou from current leakage that otherwise would shock y ou if y ou completed an electrical path to ground. A surge protector is a different dev ice that shunts ov er-v oltage spikes to ground to prov ide lightning protection.
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JAMES FOSTER (not verif ied)

on Ma y 2 9 , 2 0 1 3

Situation : Pet shop has sev eral rect. for fish tanks. All rect. are protected on the same branch circuit with a GFCI Breaker. Fire inspector said each indv . rect. has to be a seperate GFCI. Seems to me the NEC say s that a brach circuit can be protected by GFCI Breaker. True or Not ?
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Ju n 1 9 , 2 0 1 3

Are there any NEC requirements On 1 25v 30a RV receptacles to hav e GFCI protection. This is not a temporary
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Ju n 2 6 , 2 0 1 3

Does a dedicated 30A 208V receptacle (used for a coffee-maker) in a commercial kitchen on the countertop near a sink require a GFI circuit breaker?
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on A u g 1 4 , 2 0 1 3

Is a circuit with a sump pump required to be ground fault protected?

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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Nov 5 , 2 0 1 3

Can I hav e a 1 5 A GFCI in my Kitchen for a new construction? Will that pass the final inspection or it has to be a 20 An GFCI? Thanks
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Anony mous (not verif ied)

on Nov 2 9 , 2 0 1 3

What is National Residential code for a CHEST DEEP FREEZER in a residential basementt? I cannot find it in writing any where and want to wire it to code. All wiring is GFCI now and was told NOT to put an appliance on a GFCI. I was reading that is should be wired separately . Is code 1 5A or 20A for an appliance? Does any one know this answer. Thanks in adv ance!
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NEC Requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) | Code Basics content from Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) Magazine
Anony mous (not verif ied)
on Ja n 1 6 , 2 0 1 4

Is there any requirement for a fan in a warehouse to be GFCI protected if the fan is water cooled and plugged into 1 1 0V AC receptacle?
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