FAQ

Revision

210.8(A)(6)(7) GFCI Requirements in

Dwelling Unit Kitchens Modiﬁed

and Expanded

Change Summary

• The GFCI requirements for receptacles in kitchens

expanded to include all 125 – 250V receptacles

150V to ground or less, not just those that serve

countertop surfaces.

Article 210 Branch Circuits Not Over 1000 Volts ac,

1500 Volts dc, Nominal

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for

Personnel.

(A) Dwelling Units.

(6) Kitchens – where the receptacles are installed to serve

the countertop surfaces

(7) Areas with sinks and permanent provisions for food

preparation, beverage preparation, or cooking

Expert Analysis

A revision has been made to clarify that GFCI protection

is required for all 125 through 250 Volt receptacles

supplied by circuits rated 150 volts to ground or less in

the kitchen, regardless of whether the receptacle serves

the countertop. The CPSC database demonstrates 104

electrocutions from 2011-2020, of which 81 percent

were working on an appliance or other type of appliance

or equipment. GFCI protection can be provided to provide

protection for those who are working on cord-and-plug

appliances and/or cord-and-plug-connected equipment.

Electrical hazards are not just due to the proximity of the

appliance to water. These appliances and equipment

have both the power supply and the grounded frame

to complete the current path, creating the hazard to

the individual.

Material taken from the National Electric Code

is reprinted with permission

from NFPA 70

, 2023 edition. National Electrical Code

NEC

Text

continued on page 16