Code Change Summary: Revised code language provides clarity on how to measure when determining if a receptacle must be GFCI protected.

In the 2017 NEC^®, the following language was added to aid in determining which 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere, receptacles require GFCI protection based on their proximity to a sink:

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

The words "without", and "passing through a door, doorway" above created conflict and confusion since many code readers interpreted a “door” to be a kitchen or bathroom cabinet door. This application led the industry to permit a receptacle under a kitchen sink for the dishwasher to be without GFCI protection since the measurement was not taken through the cabinet door.

To fix this problem, this same section was revised in the 2020 NEC^® to delete any reference to doors or doorways from the text. Unfortunately, while fixing one problem, another one was created. By modifying the code language, now a receptacle on a wall in an adjacent room might require GFCI protection if it is located within 6 feet of a sink even if there is a closed door within the path of the cord measurement (see image).

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 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.