Change Summary

• Requirements for GFCI protection in dwelling unit kitchens have been expanded
• Outlets supplying dishwashers are required to be GFCI protected
• A new subdivision (D) titled Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit has been added to 210.8

Expert Analysis

This new requirement expands the ground-fault circuit interrupter protection that must be installed in dwelling units, specifically- GFCI protection for outlets supplying dishwashers. An interesting issue with this change is that the title of the subdivision (D) is Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuits, which would indicate that entire branch circuit should be protected, but the text indicates that the outlets supplying dishwashers shall be GFCI protected. The significance here is if the dishwasher is directly wired to the branch circuit, the entire branch circuit must be GFCI protected. If the dishwasher is cordand-plug connected, it appears as though a properly rated GFCI outlet device could be installed to meet this new requirement.