Q. Where is GFCI protection required for 15A and 20A 125V rated receptacles in dwelling units?
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A. Ground-fault circuit interruption (GFCI) for personnel must be provided as required in Sec. 210.8(A) through (D). The GFCI device must be installed at a readily accessible location. According to Art. 100, “readily accessible” means capable of being reached quickly without having to climb over or remove obstacles, or resort to portable ladders.
GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in the following locations:
1) Bathroom area. GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in the bathroom area of a dwelling unit.
2) Garages and accessory buildings. GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in garages, and in grade-level portions of accessory buildings used for storage or work areas of a dwelling unit. Note: A receptacle outlet is required in a dwelling unit attached garage [210.52(G)(1)], but a receptacle outlet isn’t required in an accessory building or a detached garage without power. If a 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle is installed in an accessory building, it must be GFCI protected.
3) Outdoors. 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles located outdoors of dwelling units, including receptacles installed under the eaves of roofs, must be GFCI protected. Note: Each dwelling unit of a multifamily dwelling that has an individual entrance at grade level must have at least one GFCI-protected receptacle outlet accessible from grade level located not more than 6½ ft above grade [210.52(E)(2)]. Balconies, decks, and porches that are attached to the dwelling unit and are accessible from inside the dwelling must have at least one GFCI-protected receptacle outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch [210.52(E)(3)].
Exception: GFCI protection isn’t required for a receptacle that’s supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to fixed electric snow-melting or deicing or pipeline and vessel heating equipment, if the receptacle isn’t readily accessible and the equipment or receptacle has ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE) [426.28 and 427.22].
4) Crawl spaces. 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in crawl spaces at or below grade of a dwelling unit must be GFCI protected. Note: The Code doesn’t require a receptacle to be installed in a crawl space, except when heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment is installed there [210.63].
5) Unfinished basements. GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles located in the unfinished portion of a basement not intended as a habitable room and limited to storage and work areas.
Exception: A receptacle supplying only a permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system isn’t required to be GFCI protected [760.41(B) and 760.121(B)].
Note: A receptacle outlet is required in each unfinished portion of a dwelling unit basement [210.52(G)(3)].
6) Kitchen countertop surfaces. GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles that serve countertop surfaces in a dwelling unit. Note: See 210.52(C) for the location requirements of countertop receptacles.
7) Sinks. GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles located within an arc measurement of 6 ft from the outside edge of a sink.
8) Boathouses. GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles located in a dwelling unit boathouse. Note: The Code doesn’t require a 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle to be installed in a boathouse, but if one is installed, it must be GFCI protected.
9) Bathtubs or shower stalls. GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles located within 6 ft of the outside edge of a bathtub or shower stall.
10) Laundry Areas. 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in laundry areas of a dwelling unit must be GFCI protected.
