GFCI Requirements in the 2020 NEC: All 11 Dwelling Locations

The 2020 NEC requires ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection for receptacles in 11 places in a home, from bathrooms to basements. It covers 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles, so a 240 V dryer outlet counts. The 2020 edition also added outdoor outlets and HVAC service receptacles.

A GFCI cuts power when current leaks to ground, such as through a person. An informational note says Class A devices trip at 6 mA or more and not below 4 mA. Every GFCI must be readily accessible for testing and reset.

The 11 dwelling GFCI locations in 210.8(A)

Ceiling fan and light exception: listed locking support and mounting receptacles skip GFCI. That doesn't apply in crawl spaces, tubs and showers, or damp and wet locations. A convenience receptacle built into the fan or light still needs GFCI.

What changed in the 2020 NEC GFCI requirements?

• Higher voltages: 2017 covered only 125 V, 15 A and 20 A receptacles. 2020 covers 125 V through 250 V, with no amp limit for dwellings. The circuit must be single-phase, 150 V or less to ground.
• All basements: 2017 covered only unfinished areas.
• Indoor damp and wet locations: a new 11th item.
• Appliances, 210.8(D): see the 422.5(A) list. It includes dishwashers, sump pumps, drinking water coolers and bottle fill stations, vending machines, tire inflation machines, automotive vacuums and cord-connected high-pressure spray washers.
• HVAC service receptacles, 210.8(E): the 210.63 receptacle within 25 ft of heating, A/C and refrigeration equipment.
• Outdoor outlets, 210.8(F): new for dwellings, on single-phase circuits of 150 V or less to ground and 50 A or less. It says "outlets," not receptacles, so a hard-wired A/C condenser counts. Lighting outlets are exempt, except crawl space lighting.

The NFPA LiNK text also had a 210.8(F) exception for listed HVAC equipment. It expired September 1, 2026.

Worked example: which outlets in this house need GFCI?

A new single-family house on a 120/240 V service:

1. Kitchen countertop receptacles: GFCI, 210.8(A)(6).
2. Fridge receptacle 8 ft from the sink, not at the counter: no GFCI under 210.8(A).
3. Dishwasher outlet: GFCI, from the 422.5(A) list.
4. Laundry washer receptacle and 30 A, 240 V dryer receptacle: both GFCI. The dryer is 120 V to ground, under the 150 V limit.
5. Bedroom receptacles in a finished basement: GFCI. Bedrooms also need AFCI (see JCR's AFCI requirements guide).
6. Garage freezer receptacle: GFCI. The garage rule has no appliance exception.
7. Hard-wired A/C condenser on a 30 A, 240 V circuit: GFCI, 210.8(F).
8. Porch light: no GFCI. Lighting outlets are exempt from 210.8(F).
9. 120 V crawl space light: GFCI, 210.8(C).
10. Attic receptacle for servicing the furnace: GFCI, 210.8(E).

GFCI outside dwellings: 210.8(B)

Non-dwelling buildings cover receptacles of 150 V or less to ground: single-phase up to 50 A and three-phase up to 100 A. The 12 locations:

• Bathrooms, rooftops, outdoors, locker rooms with showers, and laundry areas
• Kitchens, or any area with a sink and permanent provisions for cooking or food prep
• Within 6 ft of a sink, or of a bathtub or shower stall
• Indoor damp and wet locations, and crawl spaces at or below grade
• Garages, accessory buildings and service bays (not vehicle showrooms), and unfinished basement areas

Common GFCI exam traps

• Measuring through a wall. Measure the shortest cord path, not through a floor, wall, ceiling, fixed barrier or window.
• Kitchen receptacles. Only countertop receptacles are named, but the 6 ft sink rule can catch others.
• Replacements. A replacement receptacle where GFCI is now required needs GFCI protection (406.4(D)(3)).

States can adopt a different edition or amend 210.8. JCR's state requirements page shows each state's edition.

GFCI requirements questions

Do all basement receptacles need GFCI under the 2020 NEC?

Yes. The 2020 NEC dropped the word "unfinished," so all basements need GFCI. The only exception is a receptacle feeding just a permanently installed fire or burglar alarm.

Do all kitchen outlets need to be GFCI?

No, not under 210.8(A). Kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop need GFCI, and so does any receptacle within 6 ft of the sink bowl's top inside edge. The dishwasher outlet needs GFCI under 210.8(D).

Does a refrigerator need a GFCI receptacle?

It depends on where it is. In a garage or basement, or within 6 ft of a sink, yes. A kitchen fridge receptacle away from the counter and more than 6 ft from the sink isn't covered by 210.8(A).

Does a dishwasher need a GFCI?

Yes. Section 210.8(D) sends you to 422.5(A), which lists dishwashers. The protection must be listed, readily accessible and in a location 422.5(B) allows.

Do garage outlets need to be GFCI?

Yes. Section 210.8(A)(2) covers 125-volt through 250-volt garage receptacles in a home, including one for a freezer. The garage rule has no appliance exception.

Do outdoor outlets need to be GFCI?

Yes. Section 210.8(A)(3) covers outdoor receptacles. Section 210.8(F) adds other outdoor outlets on single-phase dwelling circuits of 150 V or less to ground and 50 A or less, such as a hard-wired A/C condenser. Lighting outlets are exempt, and the HVAC exception expired September 1, 2026.

Does a dryer receptacle need GFCI in the 2020 NEC?

Yes, in a laundry area or another 210.8(A) location. A 120/240 V dryer circuit is single-phase and 150 V or less to ground, so it's covered.

Related guides: AFCI requirements (210.12) · Dwelling service load calculation · 2020 NEC practice test

More worked examples: all NEC Answers.