The 2014 NEC now makes it clear that all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles within 6 ft. of any sink in a dwelling, including the kitchen sink, must have GFCI protection even if they are under the sink, behind the refrigerator or on an adjacent kitchen wall but not serving the counter.
Do you need a GFCI under a 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.
How far from a sink is a GFCI required?
6 ft.
Generally, all 15 or 20-amp, single phase, 125-volt receptacles within 6 ft. of a sink, tub or shower must be GFCI protected. For a sink, the measurement starts from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink. For a bathtub or shower, the measurement starts at the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall.
Is it code to have GFCI outlets in kitchen?
The National Electrical Code, or NEC, has specific GFCI requirements for dwelling units.Kitchens: All receptacles serving countertop areas and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must have GFCI protection. Also, the receptacle supplying a dishwasher should be GFCI-protected.
How do I know if I need a GFCI?
A GFCI receptacle is easily recognizable. Simply look for the test and reset button on the face of the outlet. When installed, any electrical device that is plugged in will be protected in the case of a ground fault. This also includes any electrical outlets that are connected on the same line.
Does every sink need an outlet?
Every bathroom must have at least one electrical outlet. It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink.If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet. This may mean placing the outlet between them or installing two separate outlets.
Can you put an electrical outlet under a sink?
Under the sink? The answer is no. This is dangerous. Electrical sockets or switches should be fitted at a safe distance (it is recommended at least 30cm horizontally) from a sink to avoid the chance of water coming into contact with electricity.
How close to a kitchen sink can a electrical socket be?
30cm horizontally
Electrical sockets or switches should be fitted at a safe distance (it is recommended at least 30cm horizontally) from a sink to avoid the chance of water coming into contact with electricity. Sockets should also be easily accessible.
How close can an electrical outlet be to a bathroom sink?
Outlet Receptacles
You should keep the receptacle at least 6 feet away from the edge of a bathtub or shower and at least 1 foot away from sinks.
How far does a light switch have to be from a sink?
Every bathroom needs at least one electrical outlet. It must be within 3 feet of the sink edge. Across from the sink on an opposite wall is not acceptable, either behind or beside the sink.
Does a dishwasher need a GFCI outlet?
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)].
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.
Do laundry rooms require GFCI?
The NEC requires GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection for all standard receptacles serving laundry areas. This includes the 20-amp designated receptacle for the washer (and gas dryer, as applicable) and any general-use receptacles. GFCI protection is not required for a 30-amp electric dryer receptacle.
What is the difference between a GFI and a GFCI?
Technically, GFCI refers to a breaker that protects an entire circuit. This would be a GFCI breaker on your electric distribution panel and will protect multiple outlets. A GFI is a local Ground Fault Interrupter, it is at the outlet and not on the panel.
When should you use a GFCI outlet?
GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.
What is the purpose of GFCI outlet?
The ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within as little as 1/40 of a second. It works by comparing the amount of current going to and returning from equipment along the circuit conductors.
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 bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where water fixtures are not found, regular outlets are fineand they are still installed in today’s new homes.
Where do GFCI outlets go?
GFCI outlets should be installed in any potentially wet or damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoors, basements, garages and workshops. Damp areas can make you prone to dangerous electric shock but using a GFCI outlet can greatly reduce your risk of injury.
Can you run Romex under sink?
Type NM cable is only required to be protected “where subject to physical damage“. This is entirely a judgement call, but IMO, it is not. You should secure the cable to the surface as required.
Is under a sink considered a wet location?
A wet location is an interior location that is subject to saturation with water or an exterior location subject to saturation with water or unprotected and exposed to the weather.Sinks have a proximity damp zone of a 2 feet radius in all directions from the water source.
Can you put an outlet under a bathroom sink?
Because bathrooms are wet, they come with their own specific electrical requirements, including but not limited to the following. All outlets must be GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters), to protect from electrocution.There must be an outlet placed within 36 inches of the edge of the sink.
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