Code Quiz: GFCI Requirements in Basements

Feb. 5, 2020

Challenge yourself with this Code quiz.

Question: What are the GFCI requirements for receptacles located in a finished basement of a single-family dwelling unit?

See the answer below.

Answer: All 125V through 250V receptacles supplied by a single-phase branch circuit rated 150V or less to ground installed in all dwelling unit basements require ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel.

Explanation: A 2020 NEC change to Sec. 201.8(A)(5) removed this text: "unfinished portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms." This change now requires all receptacles in the basement to have GFCI protection. However, the existing exception for a receptacle supplying a permanently installed fire or burglar alarm system remains.

Lupacchino is a senior design engineer with Gaylor Electric, Inc. in Noblesville, Ind. and serves as an alternate on NEC Code-Making Panel No. 3. He is currently licensed in more than 80 jurisdictions. He can be reached at [email protected].

About the Author

John Lupacchino | Senior Design Engineer

John began his career in electrical construction as an apprentice and worked his way through the trade. He is currently licensed in more than 80 jurisdictions. With more than 35 years of experience, he now plays a vital role in Gaylor Electric’s Engineering Department, where he serves as a senior design engineer. With a focus on design engineering, quality assurance, and code compliance, he has earned the highest level of respect from industry professionals alike. John currently serves as an alternate on NFPA 70 Code Making Panel No. 3. In addition, he enjoys sharing his electrical knowledge through education. As an Associated Builders and Contractors instructor, he continues to help grow a new generation of high-performing construction leaders.