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- ⚡️Code Corner:🔸 NEC 210.8(A) – GFCI Protection in Dwelling Units
⚡️Code Corner:🔸 NEC 210.8(A) – GFCI Protection in Dwelling Units
Sharpen your knowledge with a quick dive into the NEC.
📘 What NEC 210.8(A) says:
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations listed—including bathrooms, garages, outdoor areas, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens, and laundry areas—must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection.
🔎 Why it matters:
GFCI protection is essential to prevent electric shock, especially in areas where water and electricity may come into contact. NEC 210.8(A) aims to protect people from fatal shocks due to ground faults in household environments.
💡 Pro Tip:
Don’t forget that unfinished basements and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must be GFCI protected—even if it’s not in a kitchen or bathroom.
❓ Quick Code Quiz: Chapter 2 – GFCI Rules
Question:
Which of the following locations does NOT require GFCI protection under NEC 210.8(A)?
A) Garage
B) Kitchen
C) Living room
D) Laundry area
💡 Answer below!
🧠 Think About It:
If you're walking a job and see a non-GFCI receptacle in a laundry area or garage, flag it early. It's easier (and safer) to correct before drywall goes up or inspections roll in. GFCIs aren’t just code—they save lives.
✅ Correct Answer: C) Living room
NEC 210.8(A) applies to areas where moisture is present or where there's an increased risk of electric shock. Living rooms are considered dry areas and are not included in the list of mandatory GFCI-protected locations for dwelling units.