What is a GFCI outlet and where is one needed?

A GFI, or GFCI – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter device protects us from receiving electric shocks from faults in the electrical devices we use in our home. It works by comparing the input current on the hot side to the output current on the neutral side.

Where should a GFCI be installed?

All countertop receptacle outlets must be protected by a GFCI device installed at the outlet or by GFCI circuit breakers. A kitchen must have two 20-amp circuits for countertop appliances. There should be countertop receptacles installed so that no point along the counter is more than 2 ft. from an outlet.  GFCI should be in garages, laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements and outside outlets.

Is a GFCI required in the laundry room?

There is no specific requirement in the NEC for the washing machine itself to have GFCI protection. Section 210.52(F) requires a receptacle outlet to be installed for the laundry area and it must be supplied by a 20-ampere branch circuit in accordance with 210.11(C)(2).  If there is a counter top and or sink, then a GFCI is required.

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

The NEC (NFPA 70 2011 edition) requires GFCI receptacles in kitchens of dwelling units where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces. It does not mention a distance requirement in kitchens. The distance requirement of 1.8 meters (6 feet) is for sinks located in areas other than kitchens.

Why would a GFCI outlet not reset?

The likely reasons for failure to reset are: There is still a ground fault on the circuit, e.g. a failed appliance still connected to the circuit, or a failure of wiring insulation in the circuit somewhere. The GFCI device itself has failed. Modern GFCI devices are designed to prevent reset when they fail a test.

How high off the ground should an outdoor outlet be?

They must be readily accessible from the ground and positioned no more than 6 1/2 feet above grade (ground level). Attached decks and balconies with interior access (including a door to the indoors) must have a receptacle no more than 6 1/2 feet above the deck or balcony walking surface.

What is code for outlet spacing?

The maximum spacing between receptacles, according to the National Electric Code, has been set at 12-feet since 1956–with no point along a wall being more than 6-feet from a receptacle. The logic behind that number is that an appliance with a standard length cord could then be plugged-in anywhere along the wall.

Is a GFCI required for a washing machine?

There is no specific requirement in the NEC for the washing machine itself to have GFCI protection. Section 210.52(F) requires a receptacle outlet to be installed for the laundry area and it must be supplied by a 20-ampere branch circuit in accordance with 210.11(C)(2).

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. The 2014 edition added 210.8(D), which requires dwelling unit dishwashers to be GFCI protected.

Do I need GFCI outlets if I have a GFCI breaker?

GFCI protection is a required safety measure for virtually all outlets close to water or in outdoor areas. … You can install a GFCI receptacle installed at an individual power outlet, or you can use a GFCI breaker in the electrical panel to have GFCI protection for all outlets powered by that breaker.

Are GFCI outlets required in older homes?

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, laundry rooms, basements, outside outlets, etc.

Do bathroom lights need to be GFCI protected?

There is no requirement in the code for bathroom lights or exhaust fans to be GFCI protected.

Do shower lights need to be GFCI protected?

Although the NEC does not require either the switch or the light fixture to be GFCI–protected, most lighting fixtures designed for use in a shower stall require GFCI protection to meet UL requirements.

Do certain appliances need GFCI?

GFCI protection is not required for receptacles serving appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, or convenience receptacles that do not supply countertop surfaces. Receptacles installed within 6 ft of the outside edge of a wet bar sink must also be GFCI-protected.