A History Of GFCi - Ground Fault Outlet Installation Dates And Locations

A GFCI receptacle (outlet) is designed to shut of electric power within 1/40 of a second in order to prevent electric shock.

Ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles (outlets) have been required in houses since 1971. Originally they were only required on the exterior of the house and by swimming pool equipment. Over the years GFCI outlets have been required in more locations, such as in garages, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.

GFCI outlets are commonly found in areas that are highly susceptible to ground faults, such as where there is a risk of water coming in contact with electricity.

In those areas it is important that GFCI outlets be installed in order to prevent shock hazards - electrocution.

If your house does not have GFCI protection in the following listed areas my recommendation is to have a licensed electrician provide this life-saving protection in all of those noted areas.

The following list shows the dates and locations of where and when these safety outlets were mandated

• 1971 - Starting in 1971 1 GFCI outlet was required on the exterior of houses.

• 1971 - Swimming Pools outlets within 15 feet of pool wall. (1984) - Updated to within 20 feet of pool wall.

• 1971 - All equipment used for storable pool equipment.

• 1973 - Outdoor outlets, with some exceptions.

• 1974 - Construction sites.

• 1975 - Bathrooms, 120 volt pool lights, and fountain equipment.

• 1978 - Garage - (2008) - Updated for all garage outlets.

• 1978 - Exterior outlets 6 feet 6 inches above grade exempted

• 1984 - Outlets for swimming pool cover motors.

• 1987 - Unfinished basements.

• 1987 - Kitchen countertop outlets within 6 feet of the sink. (1996 )- Updated to include all kitchen countertop outlets.

• 1987 - Boat houses.

• 1987 - Hydromassage - Jetted Tubs and Spas.

• 1990 - Crawlspace - Exception sump pump and other dedicated equipment

• (1999) - Crawlspace - Updated with the removal of exception of dedicated equipment.

• 1993 - Wet bar countertop within 6 feet of the sink.

• 1993 - Any outlet being replaced in an area requiring a GFCI outlet.

• 1996 - All exterior outlets except dedicated de-icing electric tape outlets.

• 1996 - All unfinished accessory buildings at or below grade.

• 1999 - In - Floor electric heat systems.

• 2011 - Washing machines within 6 feet of a sink. (2014 )- Updated to washing machines in any location.

• 2014 - Dishwashers, - And their GFCI outlets must be in readily accessible locations.

• GFCI outlets are no longer allowed under sinks.