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The NEC mandates GFCI protection in many areas of the home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and anything within six feet of a sink or water source. While that may seem like a lot, the entirety of a home is not covered.
Does every outlet in a kitchen need to be GFCI?
In kitchens, all outlets that serve countertop surfaces should be equipped with GFCI outlet protection. That would include any outlets on walls, behind wet areas (sinks, etc.) that have features such as countertop breakfast bars (open counter surfaces above sinks used to sit at on the opposite side).
Where are GFCI breakers required 2020?
The 2020 NEC is very clear that GFCI protection is only required for 125‐volt, 15‐ and 20‐ampere receptacles in areas having an equipotential plane, in outdoor locations, in damp or wet locations, or in dirt confinement areas for livestock.
Do all outlets in house need to be GFCI?
The NEC requires GFCIs on all exterior and bathroom receptacles (another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops. In bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where water fixtures are not found, regular outlets are fine—and they are still installed in today’s new homes.
Do all outlets in a bathroom need to be GFCI?
Bathrooms – All bathroom receptacles should have GFCI outlets installed. Any outlets within six feet of this sink (and the dedicated washing machine outlet) should be equipped with GFCI outlets. Outside – All outlets installed outside of your home should be GFCI outlets.
Does a refrigerator need a GFCI?
A refrigerator shouldn’t be plugged into a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets are used in areas of the home with water or moisture. These include bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. This type of outlet is important because it reduces the risk of electrocution and electrical fires.
Does a dishwasher need GFCI protection?
Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected.
Where must GFCI receptacles be installed in residential garages?
According to the NEC, GFCI-compliant outlets are required for “Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.”Mar 22, 2021.
Does a dryer need GFCI protection?
First, receptacles installed to serve kitchen countertops must be GFCI protected. Therefore, clothes dryers are now required to be GFCI protected because they are in the laundry area.
Do hand dryers need GFCI protection?
GFCI protection is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in the “other than dwelling unit” locations listed in 210.8(B). Only if the hand dryer is cord- and plug-connected to a 125V rated 15A or 20A receptacle does it require GFCI protection.
When did GFCI become required in kitchen?
Countertop receptacles near the kitchen sink have been required to be GFCI-protected since 1987; just how close those receptacles have to be near the sink have changed over time.
How far from a sink can an outlet be?
Every bathroom must have at least one electrical outlet. It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not. If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet.
How far does a GFCI have to be from a sink?
Generally, all 15 or 20-amp, single phase, 125-volt receptacles “within 6 ft.” of a sink, tub or shower must be GFCI protected. For a sink, the measurement starts “from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink”. For a bathtub or shower, the measurement starts at “the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall”.
When did GFCI become required in bathrooms?
In most parts of the United States, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets have been required in bathrooms since 1975.
Do garbage disposals need GFCI?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not require a garbage disposal to have GFCI protection. GFCI protection for this appliance is optional. Garbage disposals should be either hardwired or connected to an outlet through a grounded electrical outlet.
Which of these appliances does not require GFCI protection?
Receptacles located below a countertop for appliances, such as trash compactors or garbage disposals, do not require GFCI protection unless they are located 6 ft or less from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink [Sec. 210.8(A)(7)].
Does a microwave need a GFCI?
A GFI or GFCI outlet is needed if the microwave is located less than 6 feet from a water source such as the edge of the sink, toilet, shower, etc. It is also needed if located outdoors, garages, kitchen counter tops, near laundry, utility sinks, wet bar sinks and near swimming pools.
Does every outlet in a garage need to be GFCI?
All garage outlets must be GFCI. It is an electrical violation to have non-GFCI outlets in your garage. The NEC (National Electrical Code) made this a requirement in 2008. GFCI outlets in your garage can save you from electrical failures and shock.
Does a GFCI have to be the first outlet?
GFCI doesn’t have to be the first in line because placing the GFCI first in line will trip whenever something goes wrong with any of the outlets downstream. While placing the GFCI first in line will protect all the other outlets downstream. On the one hand, you could buy a GFCI for every single outlet in the room.
How far does a GFCI have to be from water?
According to the National Electric Code, any receptacle within 6 feet of a water source needs to be protected with a GFCI.
Does a water heater need to be GFCI protected?
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.
Do 240v outlets need GFCI?
Answer: The 240 V circuit must be protected as well. Installing a GFCI designed for a 120 V circuit in a panel that also has a 240 V circuit will not provide ground-fault protection to the 240 V circuit.
