Residential GFCI Requirements
- Most areas of a home require GFCI outlets with a test and reset button to guard against electrical shock.electrical outlet image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are safety devices required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) that protect individuals from severe electrical shocks or accidental electrocution by interrupting the flow of electricity. The human body acts as an unintentional electrical path between a power source and grounded surface, which causes shocks. GFCI residential requirements were designated in 1968, with protection gradually increasing through amendments to the NEC code, the last coming in 2008. - Electrical sources powering pumps and underwater lighting operqating at more than 15 volts in permanent swimming pools were the first residential electrical installations requiring GFCIs in 1968. NEC requirements added protection for spas and hot tubs in 1981. Current code requires GFCI protection for all electrical installation, including 240-volt equipment located five to 10 feet from the water and for receptacles within 20 feet that may operate appliances such as audio or video equipment.
- All outdoor electrical receptacles, including those under house eaves, must be outfitted with GFCIs. Most of these should be fitted with weather-protecting covers so that the "test" and "reset" buttons typically found on GFCI units do not become stuck or inoperable.
- This home area is probably the most visible area for GFCI receptacles in a home because of the proximity of electrical outlets to faucets and bathtubs. The NEC requirement for this has been in place since 1975.
- Food preparation areas have undergone the most extensive GFCI changes and possibly have the most confusing rules. Electrical circuits servicing countertops must have 20-amp circuits and also be GFCI-safe. GFCI receptables are also required for operation of an electric clock or to provide power and lighting on gas ranges, ovens or cooktops. One exception to this rule is GFCIs are not required to power under-cabinet lighting. Garbage disposals, microwaves, dishwashers and refrigerators do not require GFCI outlets.
The kitchen requirement also applies to island and peninsula countertops. If such areas have a minimal dimension of at least 12 inches by 24 inches, one GFCI electrical outlet is required. If a sink, cook-top, stove or similar appliance divides the island, an additional GFCI is needed. GFCI outlets should not be installed more than 20 inches above countertops or more than 12 inches below. - For unfinished areas below grade used as storage or a work area, all 15-amp, 20-amp and 125-volt outlets must have GFCI protection. These rules also apply to garages. The NEC does not require GFCI receptacles connected for specific cord-and-plug connected appliances, such as sump pumps, or for overhead outlets not readily accessible that service appliances such as garage door openers.
- Rules for wet bars and utility sinks are two latter additions to the NEC. Receptacles within six feet of a wet bar sink must have GFCI protection. The same applies to any 15-amp, 20-amp, and 125-volt outlets within the same distance of laundry and utility sinks. The rule applies to receptacles located from floor level up to six feet about the sink, including those mounted in the ceiling but within the six-foot limit.
