Do I Have to Put GFCI Outlets in My New Bathroom and Kitchen?

New bath and kitchen remodels can be exciting and fun, but there are a number of codes that have to be adhered to for plumbing and electrical systems, including GFCI outlet installation. GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. GFCI outlets, also known as residual current device (RCD) are different from non-grounded outlets because they cut off power as soon as any kind of power imbalance is detected. These outlets are most easily identified by two push button on the face of the plate; these buttons are “test” and “reset” buttons, and they help re-establish the current if the outlet has tripped.

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Why and Where Do GFCI Outlets Have to Be Installed?

Shock and electrocution are serious problems in homes, and GFCI outlets help prevent these kinds of events from happening. GFCI outlets are required to be installed in all new construction, and this includes parts of your home that are remodeled. The National Electrical Code, or NEC, states that the following areas of homes are required to have GFCI outlets:

• All 15 amp, 20 amp and 125 volt outlets in bathrooms
• All 15 amp, 20 amp and 125 volt outlets located in garages and grade-level unfinished and finished accessory buildings, such as storage spaces or work areas. There is one exception to this code and that is for those outlets that are not easily accessible, or for an outlet that is for appliance that has a cord, like a refrigerator or dishwasher (this exception is true for basements and kitchens as well)
• All 15 amp, 20 amp and 125 volt outlets that are located outdoors, including under roof eaves
• All 15 amp, 20 amp and 125 volt outlets in crawlspaces, finished and unfinished basements spaces
• All 15 amp, 20 amp and 125 volt outlets within kitchen surface space

As you can see, a number of locations in your home are required to have GFCI outlets for new construction, but when you hire a Bell Plumbing and Heating electrical expert, you won’t have to worry – our electricians know all the codes inside and out, and every job is done to compliance levels. Call us today, and see what we can do for your home in Denver, CO!