FAQ

New

210.8(B)(13) GFCI Protection for

Non-Dwelling Aquariums and Bait Wells

Change Summary

• The GFCI requirements for receptacles within 6 ft of

ﬁsh tanks and bit wells.

Article 210 Branch Circuits Not Over 1000 Volts ac,

1500 Volts dc, Nominal

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection

for Personnel.

(B) Other Than Dwelling Units.

(13) Aquariums, bait wells, and similar open aquatic vessels

or containers, such as tanks or bowls, where receptacles are

installed within 1.8 m (6 ft.) from the top inside edge or rim

or from the conductive support framing of the vessel

or container

Expert Analysis

A new list item has been added to clarify aquariums, bait

wells, and similar open aquatic vessels or containers,

such as tanks or bowls, where receptacles are installed

within 6 ft (1.8 m) from the top inside edge or rim or

from the conductive support framing of the vessel or

container, in other than dwelling units, are required to

have GFCI protection for personnel. A signiﬁcant shock

and electrocution hazard exists in other than dwelling

occupancies where aquariums or live bait wells are

located near receptacle outlets. This hazard is very

similar to receptacles within 6 ft (1.8 m) of a sink,

bathtubs or shower stalls which are all required to be

GFCI protected.

Leviton Solution

For wet or damp environments Leviton recommends the

Weather-Resistant (WR) SmartlockPro GFCI

Material taken from the National Electric Code

is reprinted with permission

from NFPA 70

, 2023 edition. National Electrical Code

NEC

Text