Do all outlets on an outdoor circuit need 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).

Does a water fountain have to be GFCI protected?





Vending machines, cord-and-plug-connected spray washers, drinking fountains, auto vacuum and tire inflation machines installed for the public require GFCI protection.

Where do you need GFCI outlets?

Whether you’re building a new house or updating your current home, make sure to equip it with GFCI outlets in these critical areas.

  • Your home’s exterior. …
  • Your bathroom. …
  • Your garage. …
  • Key areas in the kitchen. …
  • Near laundry room sinks. …
  • Near your water heater. …
  • One basement outlet. …
  • The crawl space.

Where are GFCI outlets usually located outside?

GFCI outlets have been around since the 1970s and are typically found anywhere around the home that is a damp environment. Commonly they are located (or should be) at bathrooms, kitchen countertops, laundry areas, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, garages and at exterior outlets.

How close can an electrical outlet be to a water source?

6 feet





According to the National Electric Code (NEC), GFCIs are required to be installed to protect any receptacles within 6 feet of a water source.

How close can an exterior outlet be to a faucet?

According to the National Electric Code, any receptacle within 6 feet of a water source needs to be protected with a GFCI.

Does an ice maker require a GFCI?

However, GFCI protection is not required for receptacles not intended to serve wet bar countertop surfaces, such as refrigerators, ice makers, water heaters, or convenience receptacles that do not supply counter-top surfaces.

What is class A GFCI protection?

A Class A ground fault circuit interrupter (Class A GFCI) is an interrupter that will interrupt the circuit to the load when the ground fault current is 6 mA or more, but not when the ground fault current is 4 mA* or less in a time: 1.

What appliances require GFCI protection?



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 laundry rooms and utility rooms, GFCIs should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks, washing machines, and water heaters.

Does an outdoor outlet have to be on its own circuit?

You can come off any non dedicated space circuits. Some companies come off one of the garage circuits. But if you’re doing large houses. That wouldn’t be prudent.

Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?

GFCI vs GFI. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.

Can you have 2 GFCI outlets on the same circuit?



The Standard Number Of GFCI’s On One Circuit
You may use two or more GFCI rated outlets on one circuit if you like. However, if one trips or goes bad, all the outlets/GFCIs down the line will be affected. That’s why you should test your GFCI’s monthly to ensure proper operation.

Can plumbing and electrical be in the same wall cavity?

According to the code, you can run plumbing and electrical wires through the same hole, but you need to make sure the wire is well insulated and there is no risk of ruptures. Experts, on the other hand, don’t recommend you do this.

How far away does a GFCI have to be from a sink?

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”.

How close can a GFCI outlet be to a shower?



Receptacles shall not be installed within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold.

Does a GFCI outlet need a dedicated circuit?

GFCI requirements are a separate issue – they do go along with dedicated circuits in the kitchen and bathrooms but in other areas they can be shared with non-protected receptacles.

How close can you put an outlet to a tub?

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.

Can you put an outlet near a tub?

The 2020 NEC will now specify a zone where receptacles are not permitted to be installed around the bathtub or shower. The previous code language stated that receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.

What is code for installing electrical outlets?



The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.

Can switches and receptacles be installed in a tub or shower space?

NEC Requirements
The NEC requires that switches not be installed within the confines of shower and tub areas, unless as part of a shower assembly. In other words, unless the switch is already built in to your shower assembly from the manufacturer, adding a switch inside a shower is a code violation.