NEC GFCI Requirements Quick Guide

Vernier.

Code Reference · Aviat Group, LLC

NEC GFCI Requirements

NEC 2023 · Article 210.8 · Quick Reference

Estimating impact: Missed GFCI requirements are the #1 code catch in Vernier plan reviews. Every unforeseen GFCI receptacle is a change order. Price them in your bid — they're never cheaper in the field.

Required Locations — Dwelling Units (210.8(A))

Location	Specific Trigger	Notes / Exceptions
Bathrooms	All receptacles	Regardless of distance from sink or tub
Garages	All receptacles	Including accessory buildings with floors at or below grade
Outdoors	All receptacles	Includes balconies, decks, porches with direct access from dwelling
Crawl spaces	All receptacles at or below grade	Grade level and below only
Unfinished basements	All receptacles	Exception: single dedicated receptacle for a permanently installed appliance
Kitchens	All countertop receptacles	Within 6 ft of any sink — entire countertop surface
Laundry, utility, wet bar sinks	Within 6 ft of edge of sink	Measured along countertop surface
Boathouses	All receptacles	—

Required Locations — Commercial / Industrial (210.8(B))

Location	Specific Trigger	Distance Rule
Bathrooms	All receptacles	No distance qualification
Kitchens	Receptacles serving countertop surfaces	All countertop circuits
Rooftops	All 125V to 250V, 15A-60A receptacles	—
Outdoors	All receptacles	Includes covered but exposed locations
Garages, service bays	All 125V–250V, 15A–60A, single-phase receptacles	Excludes dedicated equipment receptacles not readily accessible
Indoor service areas	All receptacles within 6 ft of sinks, tubs, or shower stalls	Measured along countertop surface
Locker rooms with showers	All receptacles	—
Crawl spaces	All receptacles at or below grade	—
Unfinished portions of basements	All receptacles	—

GFCI Methods Accepted

Method	Protects
GFCI receptacle	That receptacle only (unless wired to protect downstream)
GFCI breaker	Entire branch circuit
GFCI receptacle (downstream)	All outlets fed from its LOAD terminals
GFCI portable device	Only where temp power permits it per 590.6

Key Exceptions — Commercial

Exception	Condition
Exempt — dedicated receptacle	Single receptacle for permanently installed appliance, not readily accessible
Exempt — industrial machinery	210.8(B) Ex. — industrial process equipment receptacles not readily accessible
Periodic testing required	Test button per UL 943; replace if trip doesn't occur

Medical locations (Article 517): Patient care areas have different requirements — standard GFCI may not be acceptable. In patient care areas, isolated power systems or specific hospital-grade GFCI types are required per 517.20. Flag all medical projects for separate review.