Change Summary

• GFCI protection required for receptacles located within 1.8m (6 feet) of sinks in dwelling units
• The words “located in areas other than kitchens” was removed from the Article 210.8 (A)(7) of the NEC for 2014
• This change means that all receptacles within 6’ of kitchen sinks, including receptacles for garbage disposals, refrigerators and other appliances, must be GFCI protected

Expert Analysis

By removing the words “located in areas other than kitchens”, Article 210.8(A)(7) requires that all receptacles located with in 6’ of sinks be GFCI protected.  This includes receptacles for garbage disposals and other appliances. In the 2011 NEC, kitchen receptacle requirements was largely covered by Article 210.8(A) (6) which only required GFCI protection for receptacles that served a kitchen countertop, so garbage disposals and other similar appliance receptacles were excluded.
Now the 2014 makes it clear in 210.8(A)(7) that all receptacles within 6’ of kitchen sinks must be GFCI protected. It is important to note that these receptacles must be readily accessible. It is unclear if a receptacle located inside a cabinet could be considered readily accessible. The definition of Readily Accessible in Article 100 of the NEC indicates the receptacle must be capable of being reached quickly without using tools, ladders, or climb over or remove obstacles. This call would be up to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

GFCI Protection

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GFCI Receptacle Group