GFCI Receptacle Location Requirements
- Residential Buildings. The 2002 NEC code requires GFCI protection for all 15- and 20-amp, 120-volt outlets in residential bathrooms and for many in kitchen areas.
- Commercial Buildings. The requirements for outlets inside a commercial building are more stringent than for a residential one.
- Outdoors. ...
- Temporary Circuits. ...
What is a GFCI outlet and where is needed?
GFCI-protected outlets are required in all bathrooms and many kitchen outlets. This is because electrical appliances are often used in close proximity to water. Additionally, almost all outdoor outlets require GFCI because of exposure to rain or snow. You can usually tell if an outlet is GFCI-compliant by checking whether there are Test and ...
What are GFCI outlets and where should they be installed?
- Spaces at or below grade level
- Areas where heating, AC and refrigeration equipment is installed
- Includes 120-volt lighting outlets
Should all outlets be GFCI?
Kitchens – All receptacles located near major appliances and the sink should be of the GFCI variety. As a rule of thumb, any outlet within four feet of the sink should be a GFCI outlet. One may also ask, how many outlets can 1 GFCI protect?
Where do I need to install GFCI outlets?
- Turn off power at the main circuit. ...
- Use a flathead screwdriver to take off the cover of the outlet.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the old outlet from the outlet box.
- Remove the wires, and take a quick note of which color wires connect to which color screws.
Where are GFCI outlets required?
The NEC mandates GFCI protection in many areas of the home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and anything within six feet of a sink or water source. While that may seem like a lot, the entirety of a home is not covered.29-May-2019
Do you need a GFCI on each outlet?
The NEC requires GFCIs on all exterior and bathroom receptacles (another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops. In laundry rooms and utility rooms, GFCIs should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks, washing machines, and water heaters.22-Sept-2020
Can a GFCI outlet be installed anywhere?
GFCI outlets should be installed in any potentially wet or damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoors, basements, garages and workshops.
Does a fridge need a GFCI?
Residential Kitchen In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There's no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.
How many outlets can 1 GFCI protect?
There's no limit. A standard GFCI will protect up to 20 amps, drawn from any combination of receptacles, either the built-in one or any number of additional ones connected to its load terminals.26-Jul-2019
Can you have 2 GFCI outlets on the same circuit?
Yes, it can be done. There is no problem having a GFI fed from another GFI. My advice is to replace both receptacles with GFI and install a standard breaker. You get the same protection but more convenience.26-Mar-2021
Does power go to line or load on GFCI?
The “line” wires are the incoming power from the breaker box and the “load” wires are the outgoing power that travels down the circuit to the next outlet.27-Jul-2021
Can I replace a 2 prong outlet with a GFCI?
Upgrade Two-Prong Outlets to GFCI And this is the only type of three-prong outlet you can replace two-prong outlets with without breaking NEC guidelines. This is because GFCI outlets can still protect against electrical shock, even without the grounding component.
When were GFCI receptacles required?
GFCI receptacles were required in houses starting in 1971. Originally they were only required at the exterior of the house and by swimming pool equipment. Over the years, GFCI receptacles have been required in more locations such as garages, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
What is a GFCI in a home inspection?
A GFCI is typically a receptacle with small buttons on it that usually say “Test” and “Reset”.
Where is a GFCI located?
The GFCI receptacle simply needs to be located closest to the breaker on that circuit. It will provide protection for all of the down-circuit “ordinary” receptacles. Click to enlarge. In an older home, there may be no requirement for GFCI’s to be installed.
What is ground fault?
A “ground-fault” is an unintentional flow of electricity between a source of electrical current and a grounded surface. Without protection, electrical shock can occur if a person comes into contact with an energized part.
Do home inspectors test GFCI?
Home inspectors test the operation of GFCI’s as part of their evaluation. They may also recommend the installation of GFCI receptacles near plumbing fixtures. But they weren’t always required. So how can you resolve disagreements about the presence or absence of GFCI receptacles? Let’s first talk about safety, then the requirements.
Can a GFCI be protected?
In most cases, no. For example, all of the bathroom receptacles throughout a house can be protected by one GFCI receptacle. This is true for the receptacles at a kitchen counter that are required to be GFCI protected. You may only see one GFCI receptacle, but all down-circuit receptacles can be protected if installed properly. The GFCI receptacle simply needs to be located closest to the breaker on that circuit. It will provide protection for all of the down-circuit “ordinary” receptacles.
How much does a GFCI outlet cost?
A GFCI outlet runs about $15, such as this Levitron GFCI Outlet (available from Home Depot ). An electrician will charge an additional $50 to $100 dollars per hour to replace outlets.
What is the purpose of a GFCI outlet?
The singular purpose of a GFCI outlet is to prevent electrical injury to humans, something regular outlets are not equipped to do . A standard household outlet features two, three-prong plug-in slots, while a GFCI outlet features the same plug-in configuration plus two buttons on its face: a “TEST” button and a “RESET” button. The rules requiring the installation of the GFCI outlets in new construction has expanded over the years to include more applicable locations:
How many wires are needed to replace an outlet?
The other caveat is that only outlets connected to three wires are suitable for DIY replacement. Outlets with three attached wires (remove the outlet plate to determine the number of attached wires) indicate that the outlet is located at the end of an electrical circuit (a wiring loop that starts and finishes at the breaker panel). An outlet with five attached wires is located in the middle of an electric circuit, and the wiring process is more complicated—only a licensed electrician should replace those outlets.
Why does my GFCI shut off?
Once installed, a GFCI outlet needs virtually no additional care, although you might want to press the Test button once a month or so to make sure it’s still functioning properly. Occasionally, a GFCI will shut itself off for no apparent reason—known as “nuisance trips” or “ghost trips.” This can be caused by something as simple as static electricity or nearby lightning. When this happens, just press the Reset button to restore electricity.
What happens if a GFCI trips frequently?
If a GFCI trips frequently when not in use (daily or weekly), the outlet itself could be worn out or faulty and should be replaced.
How to shut off power to outlet?
Shut off the power to the outlet by turning off the circuit breaker (at the breaker panel) that provides electricity to the outlet. A good way to ensure that the power is off is to plug a nightlight into the outlet and turn it on, then shut off the breaker.
Where are GFCIs required?
The NEC requires GFCIs on all exterior and bathroom receptacles (another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops. In laundry rooms and utility rooms, GFCIs should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks, washing machines, and water heaters. They should also be installed within six feet of a wet bar and in garages and unfinished basements.
What is the GFCI code for a bathroom?
The 2002 NEC code requires GFCI protection for all 15- and 20-amp, 120-volt outlets in residential bathrooms and for many in kitchen areas. The 2005 version requires all outlets within 6 feet of a sink or wet area to have ground-fault protection, not just outlets on countertops, as the earlier version had specified.
What is GFCI protection?
The NEC requires GFCI protection on all 15-, 20- and 30-amp, 120-volt circuits whenever you are remodeling or doing construction outside or inside a residential or commercial building. If you draw power from an outlet that is not GFCI-protected, you must provide ground-fault protection somewhere in the circuit. Holt notes an exception in the code for establishments in which only qualified personnel are involved. The exception allows an alternate grounding method for equipment that would pose a hazard if power were interrupted.
Why do ground fault outlets stop power?
They stop power whenever they detect a sudden change in current, such as might happen if someone were to touch an ungrounded appliance while standing in water. The National Electrical Code previously only required GFCI outlets on construction sites. But in order to protect anyone who plugs ...
How many volts are required for a commercial kitchen?
The requirements for outlets inside a commercial building are more stringent than for a residential one. In a commercial kitchen, every 15- or 20-amp, 120-volt outlet must be a GFCI, not just the ones on the countertops or near a wet area.
Do you need GFCIs for outside?
Outdoors. While the code does not require ground-fault protection on outlets outside a commercial building, it does require GFCIs for most outside a residential one. This includes all receptacles located on the side of the house, under the eaves and on outbuildings.
Do commercial bathrooms have GFCIs?
As in residential buildings, all bathroom outlets in a commercial building must be GFCIs, as well as those on rooftops or in basements. If the commercial building has a workshop, every outlet in it must be have ground-fault protection, as it would if the workshop were in a residential building. Advertisement.
Do you need GFCI outlets on construction sites?
The National Electrical Code previously only required GFCI outlets on construction sites. But in order to protect anyone who plugs into an electric circuit, it expanded the requirements to include many areas inside and outside commercial and residential buildings. Advertisement.
What is a cord connected GFCI?
The Cord-Connected Type of GFCI is an attachment plug incorporating the GFCI module. It protects the cord and any equipment attached to the cord. The attachment plug has a non-standard appearance with test and reset buttons. Like the portable type, it incorporates a no-voltage release device that will disconnect power to the load if any supply conductor is open.
What is ground fault?
A ground-fault occurs when there is a break in the low-resistance grounding path from a tool or electrical system. The electrical current may then take an alternative path to the ground through the user, resulting in serious injuries or death. The ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut ...
Does GFCI protect against ground fault?
The GFCI will not protect you from line contact hazards (i.e. a person holding two "hot" wires, a hot and a neutral wire in each hand, or contacting an overhead power line). However, it protects against the most common form of electrical shock hazard, the ground-fault. It also protects against fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation.
Can a GFCI trip?
The GFCI is rated to trip quickly enough to prevent an electrical incident. If it is properly installed and maintained, this will happen as soon as the faulty tool is plugged in. If the grounding conductor is not intact or of low-impedance, the GFCI may not trip until a person provides a path.
What outlets need GFCI protection?
According to the Code, all outlets that are rated at 15 and 20 amperage and 125V that are installed in the following areas need to have GFCI protection. Garages and accessory buildings. Bathrooms, jet tubs, pools, and spas. All outdoor areas. Kitchens and nearby sinks.
When were GFCI outlets first required?
And they are needed in almost all rooms and areas of the building. GFCI receptacles were first introduced and required in 1971. In the beginning, they were only needed for the swimming pools and outside areas.
How far away from a sink should a GFCI be installed?
The revision of the NEC done in 2005 requires that all receptacles within 6 feet of a sink or a wet bar need to be with a working GFCI protection installed.
What is required by the NEC to have proper GFCI protection?
Jet tubes, hot tubs, hydro-massage tubs, Jacuzzi tubs, and whirlpools are required by the NEC to have proper GFCI protection. The requirement was introduced with the 1987 revision of the NEC.
How to tell if a GFCI is a fault?
You can easily distinguish a GFCI outlet by the two buttons (a TEST and RESET button) that are located on the outlet itself. There should also be a label reading GFCI on it as well.
Why is GFCI needed in laundry?
Therefore, GFCI protection is needed to protect against electrical shock.
Where is the GFCI reset on a dishwasher?
The GFCI reset for the dishwasher is generally located on the Dual-Function breaker inside the panel box. However, some older homes may only have a GFCI breaker or no GFCI protection at all.
What voltages are required for GFCI protection?
All 125- through 250-volt receptacles in the following locations that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground are required to have GFCI protection for personnel.
How many amps are required for GFCI?
All single-phase receptacles rated 150-volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and three-phase receptacles rated 150-volts to ground or less, 100 amperes or less installed in the following locations are required to have GFCI protection for personnel.
Federal Code for Non-Dwellings & Other Structures
GFCI protection is required for all 125-250-volt receptacles rated 50 amps or less, not exceeding 150 volts to ground, supplied by a single-phase branch circuit in:
NEC GFCI Requirements
The National Electric Code has expanded GFCI requirements in every code change since 1971, including the latest updates for 2020. These guidelines are adopted as legislation by state. Check with your state or municipality to know which NEC is used in your state.
Why GFCI
Ground-fault circuit interrupters, GFCIs or GFIs, are safety devices built into outlets that protect against electrical shock. Their circuitry monitors electrical input. When a ground fault occurs, the GFCI quickly—in a fraction of a second—shuts off the power. Ground fault causes include:
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How far away from a shower should an outlet be?
Outlets will be evaluated to ensure that they are safe and installed correctly. Certain receptacles, such as those within six feet of a sink or shower/tub are required to be GFCI-protected. If these certain receptacles are not GFCI-protected, a deficiency or fail condition will be recorded.
What happens if a light bulb is missing but the socket is not readily accessible?
Not necessarily. If the light bulb is missing but the socket is not readily accessible, it will not result in a deficiency or fail condition. If the socket is readily accessible, it can present a life-threatening condition and would fail for this reason.
Is a light fixture a deficiency or a pass?
If the light fixture has a missing or damaged protective cover, it is a deficiency (fail).
Does UPCS V require two exits?
Currently, UPCS-V has not changed HQS’ requirement of two means of egress from a building to the public way. However, there is one clarification that any fire escape or emergency exit must function and operate as designed.
Do you have to inspect a site under UPCS-V?
Yes, site and common areas will be inspected under UPCS-V which is a requirement that has not changed from HQS. For example, if the unit is located in a large multi-family complex, then only the site and common areas affecting the voucher resident will be inspected.
Can REAC QA do UPCS V?
During testing, REAC QA inspectors have been able to complete a UPCS-V inspection in a similar time as an HQS inspection. We have found that inspecting using decision trees can minimize the learning curve associated with becoming proficient in UPCS-V. Additionally, using a standardized way to come to a result ensures that inspections are treated equally, fairly and consistently.