NEW GFCI* CODE CHANGES IN THE 2017 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE (NEC)

NEW GFCI CODE CHANGES

  1. GFCI requirements have been added to the NEC every code cycle since 1971.  A new informational note was added, alerting the user to the face that GFCI protection requirements for appliances are now contained in code 422.5 rather than code 210.8.
  2. 8 GFCI PROTECTION: Ground-fault circuit interruption for personnel and must be provided as required in 210.8(A) through (E).  The GFCI device must be installed at a readily accessible location.
    1. For the application of 210.8(a)(7), 210.8(A)(9), and 210.8(B)(5), distance is measured as the shortest path the flexible cord would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling or fixed barrier, or passing through a door, doorway, or window.

(A) DWELLING UNITS:  GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles installed in the following locations:

  1. Bathroom Area: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles in the bathroom area of a dwelling unit.
  2. Garages and Accessory Buildings: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles in garages, and in grade-level portions of accessory buildings used for storage or work areas of a dwelling unit.
  3. Outdoors: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles located outdoors of dwelling units, including receptacles installed under the eaves of roofs.
  4. Crawl spaces at or below Grade Level: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles installed in crawl spaces at or below grade.  (Note:  receptacles are NOT required in a crawlspace unless HVAC equipment is installed therein.)
  5. Unfinished Portions of Basements: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles in unfinished portions or areas of a basement NOT intended for habitable rooms. (Exception:  A receptacle supplying ONLY a permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system isn’t required to be GFCI protected (760.41(B) and 760.121(B).
  6. Kitchen Countertop Surfaces: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles that serve countertop surfaces.
  7. Sinks: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles located within 6 feet from the top inside edge of the bowl or sink.
  8. Boathouses: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles located in a dwelling unit boathouse.
  9. Bathtubs and Shower Stalls: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles located within 6 feet of the outside edge of a bathtub or shower stall.
  10. Laundry Areas: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles installed in laundry areas

(B) Other Than Dwelling Units

GFCI protection is required for single-phase receptacles rated 50A or less not exceeding 150V to ground and three-phase receptacles rated 100A or less not exceeding 150V to ground installed in the following locations:

  1. Bathrooms: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed in bathrooms.
  2. Kitchens: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed in a kitchen.
  3. Rooftops: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed on rooftops
  4. Outdoors: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed outdoors.
  5. Sinks: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed within 6 feet from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink.
  6. Indoor Wet Locations: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed in wet locations.
  7. Locker Rooms: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed in locker rooms with associated showering facilities.
  8. Garages: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed in garages, service bays, and similar areas, other than show rooms and exhibition halls.
  9. Crawlspaces: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed in crawlspaces
  10. Unfinished Portions of Basements: GFCI protection is required for receptacles installed in the unfinished portions of a basement.

(C)  Boat Hoist – Dwelling Unit: GFCI protection is required boat hoist outlets not exceeding 240V at dwelling unit locations.

(D) Dishwasher – Dwelling Unit:  GFCI protection is required for outlets supplying dishwashers at a dwelling unit.

(E) Crawl Space Lighting Outlets – Dwelling Unit:  GFCI protection is required for 120V lighting outlets in crawlspaces in dwelling units