Where are GFCI required?
bathrooms
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.
Where are GFCI outlets required 2020?
The 2020 NEC is very clear that GFCI protection is only required for 125‐volt, 15‐ and 20‐ampere receptacles in areas having an equipotential plane, in outdoor locations, in damp or wet locations, or in dirt confinement areas for livestock.
Do all bathroom outlets need to be GFCI?
Bathrooms – All bathroom receptacles should have GFCI outlets installed. Any outlets within six feet of this sink (and the dedicated washing machine outlet) should be equipped with GFCI outlets. Outside – All outlets installed outside of your home should be GFCI outlets.
Can I put a GFCI anywhere in a circuit?
You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit. The electrical code also requires GFCIs in unfinished basements, garages, most outdoor receptacles and places where construction activity occurs.
Does a refrigerator need a GFCI?
A refrigerator shouldn’t be plugged into a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets are used in areas of the home with water or moisture. These include bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
How far does a GFCI have to be from water?
6 feet
According to the National Electric Code, any receptacle within 6 feet of a water source needs to be protected with a GFCI.
Do AC condensers need GFCI protection?
This new expansion extends to hardwired equipment as well, except for snow-melting equipment and lighting outlets. This means that the condenser unit for an air conditioner needs to be GFCI protected, too.
What is the electrical code for bathrooms?
The NEC requires that all outlet receptacles in a bathroom be GFCI protected. Outlet circuit must be 20 amps: The outlets in a bathroom should be served by a 20-amp circuit, separate from the lighting circuit, to provide power items such as curling irons, razors, and hairdryers.
Should a freezer be plugged into a GFCI?
A. That “protector outlet” you’re referring to is a GFCI, or “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” receptacle, and GFCI’s are required by building code in garages, kitchens, bathrooms, and on the exterior of new homes. So freezers and refrigerators should never be plugged into GFCI’s.
Should a washing machine be on a GFCI?
The NEC doesn’t require GFCI protection for clothes washing machines specifically, but it does for “Laundry Areas.” If the answer is “yes”, then you have your answer- the clothes washing machine will be GFCI protected, because all 120-Volt receptacles are to be GFCI protected in laundry areas, per the 2017 NEC.
What is the difference between a GFCI and a GFI?
There is actually no difference at all. A common conversation when discussing receptacles may be referring to a ground fault circuit interrupter ( GFCI ) as simply a ground fault interrupter ( GFI .) They are generally the exact same thing.
Why is my GFCI not working?
The most likely reason for a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) failing to reset is that there is a ground fault in the circuit. Until the ground fault is identified and corrected, the GFCI will immediately trip again every time it is reset.
Do GFCI outlets go bad?
The most common reason that GFCI outlets go bad is the current transformer in the outlet being damaged. Too much exposure to moisture can also reduce the longevity of your outlets by causing the rusting of interior components. Similarly, UV radiation and other elements can cause significant wear to GFCI outlets.
When were GFCI receptacle outlets first 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.