NEC Requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

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

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Discuss this Article 11

Larry C (not verified)
on Jun 18, 2012

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 you can.
Thanks Larry

Danny Baize (not verified)
on Jul 24, 2012

Wouldn't a GFCI be required for water bottle type fountains if receptacle is just below where you would replace bottles? Doesn't seem to be in NEC.

Anonymous (not verified)
on Feb 28, 2013

Water bottle type dispensers are considered portable, the NEC only requires fixed dispensers to be GFCI protected.This is explained in the NEC handbook.

D GARNER (not verified)
on Sep 26, 2012

ARE GFCIs required for washing machines in a laundry room of
a child development center there are no sinks in the room

Anonymous (not verified)
on Dec 2, 2012

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?

RAUL HODALGO
on Jan 8, 2013

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

Anonymous (not verified)
on Jan 31, 2013

Very helpful

Anonymous (not verified)
on Feb 6, 2013

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.

Anonymous (not verified)
on Mar 22, 2013

In commericial applications where there is a sink what is the distance requirement on gfi receptacles? Does it remain the same as the residential code?

Anonymous (not verified)
on May 9, 2013

Can I plug in a TRC SHOCK SHIELD GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MODEL 14740L-002B 120V - 30AMP - 60HZ - 3600W to an electrical supply at a campground as a surge protector for a travel trailer? Will it protect from lightning strikes?

Anonymous (not verified)
on May 15, 2013

Apples and Oranges. The Shock Shield GFCI will protect you from current leakage that otherwise would shock you if you completed an electrical path to ground. A surge protector is a different device that shunts over-voltage spikes to ground to provide lightning protection.

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