210.8(B) GFCI Protection. Other Than Dwelling Units.
Code Change Summary: Additional locations were added to the list of areas where GFCI protection is required in other than dwellings.
Section 210.8(B) provides GFCI protection requirements for specific receptacles in other than dwellings. Other locations in the NEC® provide additional requirements where GFCI protection is required for receptacles and specific equipment, whether cord and plug connected or directly wired.
Every code cycle, the rules on GFCI protection are gradually expanded and this code cycle is no different.
In the 2020 NEC®, GFCI protection for specific receptacles in non-dwelling type occupancies was modified in the below subsections as follows:
(2) Previously addressed receptacles in a non-dwelling “kitchen” but now also includes areas with a sink and permanent provisions for either food preparation or cooking. This could now apply to receptacles behind the counter in coffee shops with any kind of built in microwave or cooking appliance and similar nondwelling occupancies.
(6) Previously addressed indoor wet locations but now includes indoor damp and wet locations.
(8) Previously addressed receptacles in non-dwelling garages, service bays, and similar areas other than vehicle exhibition halls and showrooms but now also includes accessory buildings.
(10) This was shortened up to apply only to receptacles in unfinished areas of basements and a new exception was added which applies to items (1) through (5), (8), and (10).
(11) This is new and applies to receptacles in non-dwelling laundry areas.
(12) This is new and applies to receptacles near non-dwelling bathtubs and shower stalls.
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.
2017 Code Language:
210.8(B) Other Than Dwelling Units. All single-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and three-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 100 amperes or less installed in the following locations shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Kitchens
(3) Rooftops
Exception: Receptacles on rooftops shall not be required to be readily accessible other than from the rooftop.
(4) Outdoors
Exception No. 1 to (3) and (4): Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to electric snow melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable.
Exception No. 2 to (4): In industrial establishments only, where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified personnel are involved, an assured equipment grounding conductor program as specified in 590.6(B)(3) shall be permitted for only those receptacle outlets used to supply equipment that would create a greater hazard if power is interrupted or having a design that is not compatible with GFCI protection.
(5) Sinks — where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink
Exception No. 1 to (5): In industrial laboratories, receptacles used to supply equipment where removal of power would introduce a greater hazard shall be permitted to be installed without GFCI protection.
Exception No. 2 to (5): For receptacles located in patient bed locations of general care (Category 2) or critical care (Category 1) spaces of health care facilities other than those covered under 210.8(B)(1), GFCI protection shall not be required.
(6) Indoor wet locations
(7) Locker rooms with associated showering facilities
(8) Garages, service bays, and similar areas other than vehicle exhibition halls and showrooms
(9) Crawl spaces — at or below grade level
(10) Unfinished portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms
2020 Code Language:
210.8(B) Other Than Dwelling Units. All 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground, 50 amperes or less, and all receptacles supplied by three-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground, 100 amperes or less, installed in the locations specified in 210.8(B)(1) through (B)(12) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Kitchens or areas with a sink and permanent provisions for either food preparation or cooking
(3) Rooftops
Exception: Receptacles on rooftops shall not be required to be readily accessible other than from the rooftop.
(4) Outdoors
Exception No. 1 to (3) and (4): Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to electric snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable.
Exception No. 2 to (4): In industrial establishments only, where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified personnel are involved, an assured equipment grounding conductor program as specified in 590.6(B)(2) shall be permitted for only those receptacle outlets used to supply equipment that would create a greater hazard if power is interrupted or having a design that is not compatible with GFCI protection.
(5) Sinks — where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink
Exception No. 1 to (5): In industrial laboratories, receptacles used to supply equipment where removal of power would introduce a greater hazard shall be permitted to be installed without GFCI protection.
Exception No. 2 to (5): Receptacles located in patient bed locations of Category 2 (general care) or Category 1 (critical care) spaces of health care facilities shall be permitted to comply with 517.21.
(6) Indoor damp and wet locations
(7) Locker rooms with associated showering facilities
(8) Garages, accessory buildings, service bays, and similar areas other than vehicle exhibition halls and showrooms
(9) Crawl spaces — at or below grade level
(10) Unfinished areas of basements
Exception to (1) through (5), (8), and (10): Listed locking support and mounting receptacles utilized in combination with compatible attachment fittings installed for the purpose of serving a ceiling luminaire or ceiling fan shall not be required to be ground-fault circuit-interrupter protected. If a general-purpose convenience receptacle is integral to the ceiling luminaire or ceiling fan, GFCI protection shall be provided.
(11) Laundry areas
(12) Bathtubs and shower stalls — where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall