• 210.8(A) GFCI Protection for Dwelling Units

Section 210.8(A) includes list items of GFCI protection requirements for all dwelling unit receptacles found in locations identified in this section.   

Important parts of this section: 

1. Make sure it is clear it only applies to receptacle outlets hitting cord-and-plugged appliances. 

2. Make sure it is clear that it’s only those receptacles found in the locations identified in the list. 

3. What receptacles are covered (voltage and ampere rating). 

4. Make it clear that the GFCI has to be listed. 

5. Make it clear on how the measurements are taken. 

List item (5), “Basements,” was modified moving the exception to the end of this section and removed the text that related to the exception of this list item, as it was not necessary. The informational note was also deleted because it was not needed. 

List item (6) was expanded to require GFCI protection of all receptacles in a dwelling unit kitchen. 

 List item (7) was created to include a new requirement for areas with sinks and permanent provisions for food preparation, beverage preparation, or cooking.   

All exceptions were moved to the end of this first-level sub-division and modified for clarity.  

Exception No. 2: Removed fire alarm and replaced burglar alarm system with “premises security system.” GFCI protection is not required for fire alarm systems per Article 760. GFCI protection is not required for premises security systems regardless of the room within which it is located. 

Exception No. 3: Recognizes that GFCI protection is not required for weight-supporting ceiling receptacles (WSCR) and weight-supporting attachment fittings (WSAF). 

New Exception No. 4: GFCI is not required for receptacles that are a part of exhaust fan assemblies.   

Exception No. 4 was added to address those receptacles that may be a part of exhaust fan assemblies that are mounted internally to the units and not accessible for general use by the homeowner. 

List Item (6) Kitchens: The expansion of GFCI protection in kitchens was in response to electrocutions caused by appliances based on data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This change addresses any cord-and-plug connected appliance in a kitchen.

List Item (7): This new item expands GFCIs and aligns with the existing requirements that were added for these same areas in 210.8(B) Other Than Dwelling Units. The logic behind including the requirements of 210.8(B) Other Than Dwelling Units in 210.8(A) For Dwelling Units was that just because the structure has changed does not mean the hazard doesn’t exist.  

Exceptions moved: The move of all exceptions to the bottom of the list of areas and the rewording for clarity was made to align with the NEC Style Manual.

Exception No. 2 was modified to remove fire alarm from the exception because it is already addressed in Article 760. The NEC Style Manual seeks to reduce redundancy of language. The term “burglar alarm system” was replaced with “premises security system” because that is the term used in other NFPA documents. Due to the fact that this exception no longer only applies to basements, a premises security system will be exempt from GFCI protection as it is not the location that drives the exception; it’s the technology and use of the technology that is important.

Exception No. 3 was modified to align with the new defined terms in Article 100 for weight-supporting ceiling receptacles (WSCR) and weight-supporting attachment fittings (WSAF).

Exception No. 4 these receptacles are not accessible by the public.