210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.

If this measurement is within 6 feet from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink, then listed Class A GFCI protection is required for the receptacle.
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If this measurement is within 6 feet from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink, then listed Class A GFCI protection is required for the receptacle.

Code Change Summary: Revised code language brings clarity to GFCI requirements.

Several changes occurred to the parent text in Section 210.8 with unanimous approval from Code Panel 2.

Strangely enough, in the past, mandatory language requiring GFCI devices to be listed did not exist in Section 210.8. These products have been listed (certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory such as UL) for many years regardless. In the 2023 NEC®, this section will require Class A GFCI devices to be listed. Requiring GFCI devices to be listed ensures GFCIs comply with current product safety standards (UL 943).

Another change was the removal of the words “of an appliance” and the addition of the word “power” in the language pertaining to measurements.

Not every GFCI device is installed with the sole purpose of supplying appliances. When determining whether GFCI protection was required for a receptacle nearby a sink for example, the previous language required the distance to be measured as the shortest path the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier, or the shortest path without passing through a window.

Removing “of an appliance” makes it clear that the measurement is taken along the path of any power supply cord connected to the receptacle, not just appliance cords.

Another change was the removal of the words “or the shortest path without passing through a window”.

Now, for the purposes of applying Section 210.8, the distance from receptacles must be measured as the shortest path the power supply cord connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier.

Without a definition of the word “window” in Article 100, some might apply the GFCI measurement requirements only to exterior glass windows but not to an interior pass-through window (without glass), or a cased interior opening between a kitchen and an adjacent room.

Removing the reference to a window ensures receptacles within the measured distance are provided with GFCI protection.

The same hazard exists for power cords plugged into a receptacle within 6 feet of a sink regardless of which type of “window” is present.

Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2020 Code Language:

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel shall be provided as required in 210.8(A) through (F). The ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

For the purposes of this section, when determining the distance from receptacles the distance shall be measured as the shortest path the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier, or the shortest path without passing through a window.

2023 Code Language:

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. A listed Class A GFCI shall provide protection in accordance with 210.8(A) through (F). The GFCI shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

For the purposes of this section, the distance from receptacles shall be measured as the shortest path the power supply cord connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier.

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210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Based on the 2023 NEC, which of the following is required in Section 210.8?

A: Listed Class A GFCI devices must be used.
B: All GFCI devices must be Class B.
C: All GFCI devices must be Class C.
D: All GFCI devices must be Class D.
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