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210.8(A)(6)(7) GFCI Requirements in Dwelling Unit Kitchens Modified and Expanded

Revision

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.

NEC®Text

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

Material taken from the National Electric Code. is reprinted with permission from NFPA 70., 2023 edition. National Electrical Code®, Copyright 2022, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved.

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.

 

Figure 2

Leviton Solution

While GFCI Receptacles are required by Code, USB receptacles are required by people. Leviton brings it all together with the new 15A and 20A SmartlockPro® Self-Test GFCI Combination 24W(4.8A) Type A/C USB In-Wall Charger Outlet.

  • SAFE – Delivers continuous ground fault protection, automatically self-tests to ensure it can respond to a ground fault
  • FAST CHARGING – Smart chip technology provides over 2X the charging power of other GFCI USB outlets for a faster charge
  • SIMPLE – GFCI status indicator light provides simple, intuitive feedback
  • INSTALL – Requires extra deep wallbox for installation
Figure 1