Code Quiz

Jan 10, 2008 7:37 PM, By Steven Owen

Q. Excluding exceptions, which one of the following locations does not require GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V single-phase receptacles?

bathroom (anywhere)
within 6 feet of a sink in a commercial or industrial facility
electric drinking fountain
outdoors on a commercial building
cord-and-plug connected vending machines
outdoors and in or on a floating building or structure within the electrical datum plane
within 20 feet of a decorative fountain
in aircraft hangars where electric diagnostic equipment, electrical hand tools or portable lighting equipment are used
in commercial garages where electric diagnostic equipment, electrical hand tools or portable lighting equipment are used
dwelling unit attics, in accordance with 210.63

Answer: J

The 2008 NEC added several new locations to the growing list of places where GFCI protection is required (B, C, and D in the list above). There were also revisions to existing sections of the Code that already required GFCI protection (D above). It is important for you to check all of the affected sections of the Code by referring to the index of the 2008 NEC and noting the following list of references: 100 Definitions, 210.8, 210.63, 422.51, 422.52, 511.12, 513.12, 680.58, and 682.15.

Owen is the owner and president of National Code Seminars and the holder of master electrician certifications in 46 states. He can be reached at necexpert@aol.com.