What is code for GFCI outlets?

GFCI protection is required on dwelling unit outdoor outlets* supplied by single‐phase branch circuits rated 150‐volts or less to ground, and 50‐amperes or less. NEC 210.8(F) is only applicable to readily accessible outdoor equipment outlets.

What is code for GFCI outlets in kitchen?

210.8(A)(6) for dwelling units only requires GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed to serve dwelling unit kitchen counter surfaces. However, 210.8(B)(3) requires all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in a commercial kitchen to be GFCI-protected.

Where do I need GFCI outlets?

Do I need GFCI on every 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.

What is the NEC code for GFCI?

NEC 210.8 Ground-fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection shall be provided for all 125-volt, 15 and 20 amp receptacle outlets installed outdoors, in boathouses, garages, unfinished accessory buildings, crawl spaces at or below grade level, unfinished basements, bathrooms, at kitchen countertops and within 6 feet of ...

GFCI Protection Codes

Where are GFCI outlets required 2020?

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.

What is the code for electrical outlets?

The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.

Can you put 2 GFCI outlets on the same circuit?

Yes, you can daisy chain GFCI outlets together, but it's unnecessary and provides no added safety. There's nothing that says you can't install multiple GFCIs on the same circuit. However, there is no additional safety gained by doing so.

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.

What is code for bathroom outlets?

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.

Is a GFCI required for a refrigerator?

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.

Can a GFCI outlet be at the end of circuit?

You will need to install an end-of-line GFCI receptacle if you are installing a jacuzzi. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles are designed to prevent electrical shocks by automatically shutting off power to the receptacle if the device detects an imbalance in the current.

Do bathroom lights need GFCI?

You might not be aware of it, but your bathroom lights could pose a safety hazard in the event that you have an electrical short. This is because GFCI (ground fault circuit interruption) protection is only required for outlets and switches, not light fixtures unless they are above the shower area.

How far does a GFCI have to be from a kitchen sink?

It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable -- across from the sink on an opposite wall is not.

Is GFCI required under sink?

210.8(A) requires receptacles serving the kitchen countertop to be GFCI protected. It also requires GFCI protection for receptacles within 6' of a sink, but only sinks not in a kitchen.

What is code for electrical outlets in kitchen?

In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.

Can bathroom lights and outlets be on same circuit?

The Bathroom Needs at Least Two Dedicated Circuits

This is no more. The bathroom electrical code now stipulates that the bathroom must have dedicated circuits that aren't shared with outlets or lights in any other room. You must provide at least two of these circuits.

How many GFCI outlets can be on a 15 amp circuit?

Following the 80% circuit load of the National Electrical Code (NEC), you can have a maximum of 8 and 10 GFCI outlets for 15 amp and 20 amp circuits, respectively. These are ideal for daily power consumption safety.

Is it OK to wire GFCI outlets in series?

You only need 1 GFCI outlet per circuit (assuming it's at the beginning of the line and the rest of the outlets are loads). They are correctly wired in parallel - if they were in series, you wouldn't get the correct voltage at the other outlets when there is any type of load present.

Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.

How many GFCI do you need per breaker?

The Standard Number Of GFCI's On One Circuit

Keep in mind, you only need one GFCI at the beginning of the circuit for GFCI protection for the whole circuit. You might even opt for a GFCI rated breaker instead.

How high do outlets have to be off the floor?

The standard height for wall outlet boxes is about 12 inches from the top of the floor covering to the bottom of the receptacle box (or 16 inches to the top of the box).

How high can a receptacle be off the floor?

Generally, you want to mount receptacle boxes with the bottom of the box about 16-inches off the floor. Coincidentally, this roughly equates to the same height as your garden variety 22-ounce framing hammer.

What is the maximum distance between outlets?

Sometimes this requirement is known as the “6-foot rule.” (See Figure 1.) Since the maximum distance to a receptacle is 6 feet (1.8 meters), the maximum distance between two receptacles is doubled. Therefore, the maximum distance between receptacles is 12 feet (3.6 meters).

Does a dryer outlet need to be GFCI?

There are no conditional distances in those spaces: if the receptacle is installed in the laundry room/area, it requires GFCI protection. Therefore, clothes dryers are now required to be GFCI protected because they are in the laundry area.