All outdoor receptacles were first required to be GFCI-protected by the 1971 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Then it was limited to receptacles with direct grade access to dwelling” in 1978, and direct grade access was further defined as within 6′-6 of the ground in the 1987 NEC edition.
Are exterior outlets required to be GFCI?
Outdoor electrical outlets differ from indoor outlets because they have watertight covers that protect the outlet even with a cord plugged in. Plus, the National Electrical Code requires all outdoor outlets to be GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter outlets).
Are GFCI outlets required in older homes?
GFCI outlets aren’t needed in every room.When constructing a building, the electrical code requirements won’t be met if the structure doesn’t have this type of outlet at certain receptacle locations. In homes and buildings that are 20 years or older, GFCI outlets aren’t a strict requirement.
Are GFCI outlets required by code?
Thus it may come as no surprise to you that GFCI outlets are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC). 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.
When were GFCI’s introduced?
About 200 people in the U.S. alone die of ground faults each year, accounting for two-thirds of all electrocutions occurring in homes. To prevent such accidents, Charles Dalziel, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of California, invented the ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), in 1961.
How do I know if my outdoor outlet is GFCI?
An easy way to tell is by looking on the face of the outlet for the letters WR, which stands for weather-resistant. If your outlet is not a weather-resistant GFCI, it should be changed to ensure the best possible protection is being provided.
Do outdoor outlets need arc fault protection?
AFCI protection is not required for outlets located outside or in garages or bathroom areas.
When were GFCI outlets in bathrooms?
In most parts of the United States, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets have been required in bathrooms since 1975.
What year were GFCI outlets required in kitchens?
Receptacles in the kitchen were first required to be GFCI-protected by the 1987 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), and initially only for counter receptacles within 6 feet of a sink. That was expanded to include all kitchen countertop receptacles with the 1996 NEC.
Can any GFCI be used outside?
GFCI Outlet Requirements
Any 15-amp, 20-amp, or 120-volt outdoor outlet, must have GFCI protection.Furthermore, if you have a balcony, deck, patio, or other space designed for outdoor lounging, there must be at least one GFCI outlet in that area that’s also accessible from the inside.
Does a refrigerator 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.
Does every outlet in a kitchen need to be GFCI?
In kitchens, all outlets that serve countertop surfaces should be equipped with GFCI outlet protection. That would include any outlets on walls, behind wet areas (sinks, etc.) that have features such as countertop breakfast bars (open counter surfaces above sinks used to sit at on the opposite side).
Does a dishwasher need GFCI protection?
GFCI protection is not required for receptacles serving appliances like dishwashers, 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 [210.8(A)(7)].
When did GFI become GFCI?
1971
GFCI outlets officially became required in 1971, but only for outdoor receptacles. Over time, the list of required GFCI locations grew to include outdoor receptacles, bathrooms, garages, kitchens, unfinished basements, receptacles near swimming pools, and light fixtures near pools.
When did NEC require GFCI?
The NEC –1975 introduced indoor GFCI requirements for use in dwelling-unit bathrooms. Countertop receptacles near the kitchen sink have been required to be GFCI-protected since 1987; just how close those receptacles have to be near the sink have changed over time.
When did GFCI become required in Kitchen Canada?
1971
Why GFCI is required
Starting 1971, it was mandatory in Canada that all areas where water and electricity are close, must be fitted with GFCI.
Do outdoor outlets need 20 amps?
Outdoor receptaclesthe official name for standard power outletsinclude those mounted to exterior house walls as well as on detached garages, decks, and other outdoor structures. Receptacles also may be installed on poles or posts in a yard. All 15-amp and 20-amp, 120-volt receptacles must be GFCI-protected.
How many outlets can one 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.
Should outdoor outlets be weather resistant?
Outdoor outlets need to be protected from any form of moisture.Even in damp locations, the NEC requires weather resistant receptacles (outlets) installed. A weatherproof bubble cover on top of an outdoor outlet is just one basic layer of protection.
Where are AFCI required 2017?
As it’s already well known, dwelling units currently require AFCI protection. Now the 2017 NEC is expanding protection to guest rooms and dormitory bathrooms and circuits supplying outlets and devices.
What is the difference between arc fault and GFCI?
The AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against fires caused by arcing faults. Arcing faults often occur in damaged or deteriorated wires and cords.The GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is designed to protect people from severe or fatal electric shocks.
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