A ground fault circuit interrupter, a GFCI or GFI, is an inexpensive electrical device that can be installed in your electrical system or built into a power cord to protect you from severe electrical shocks. GFCIs have played a key role in reducing electrocutions. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI outlets in all wet or damp locations. An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) or arc-fault detection device (AFDD) is a circuit breaker that breaks the circuit when it detects the electric arcs that are a signature of loose connections in-home wiring.
For this standard, consider the following:
- Test GFCI Outlets if present.
- Test GFCI Breakers or AFCI breakers if present.
- Ensure all outlets within six feet of water sources or damp areas have GFCI or AFCI protection.
- Outlets installed under a sink or countertop in an enclosed cabinet (typically a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room) do not require GFCI protection, regardless of the distance to the water source.
- An outlet designated for a major appliance (e.g., water heater, HVAC, refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, etc.) should not be evaluated under this standard, regardless of its distance from the water source.
- A dedicated outlet is a receptacle outlet that is only capable of serving that specific appliance.
- If an outlet in a laundry room were to be installed on a wall near a water source and the outlet is not designated for use by the washing machine, then it should be a protected outlet. For instance, an outlet on a wall near a sink in the laundry or an outlet near a laundry box and the outlet is not designated for the washing machine.
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|_. Def# |_. Deficiency |_. Severity |_. Repair Due |_. HCV Rating |
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| 1 | GFCI outlet or GFCI breaker reset button does not test (No visible damage) | Severe | 24 Hours** | Fail |
| 2 | AFCI outlet or AFCI breaker reset button does not test (No visible damage) | Severe | 24 Hours** | Fail |
| 3 | Missing GFCI protection on outlet within Six Feet of water source | Severe | 24 Hours** | Fail |
**PBV/HCV Correction Timeline is 30 Days for this Deficiency
Electrical – Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Version 3.0- 6/16/23
Electrical – Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Version 3.0- 8/11/23
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