GFCI Evolution: A Look at the 2023 NEC Revisions 

In our daily lives, safety is paramount, especially when it comes to electricity. The National Electrical Code (NEC) continually updates its regulations to ensure that homes and businesses remain electrically safe. Today, we're diving into the 2023 NEC changes specifically concerning Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection.  

The 2020 NEC had set standards that electricians followed to safeguard kitchens and other parts of a dwelling. The spotlight for us today is the new addition to the list of locations requiring GFCI protection in the 2023 NEC. Let's navigate these changes together. 

Receptacles serving a wet bar in a dwelling unit will now require GFCI protection, no matter how far from the receptacle outlet is from the sink.

2023 NEC - What has changed?

2020 NEC  

Section 210.8(A). Dwelling Units, in the 2020 NEC states:  

All 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles installed in the locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through (A)⁠(11) and supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel:  

The sixth location from this list is, (A)(6), Kitchens—where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces.  

Notice in the 2020 NEC, Subsection (A)(6) requires only kitchen receptacles that serve countertop surfaces to be GFCI protected.  

2023 NEC  

Section 210.8(A). Dwelling Units, in the 2023 NEC states:  

All 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles installed in the following locations [The NEC is referring to 210.8(A)(1) through (A)⁠(12)] and supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel:  

The sixth location from the list remains, (A)(6), Kitchens.  

However, (A)(6) no longer declares that it is only receptacles serving kitchen countertops that require GFCI protection. In the 2023 NEC, the requirement to only supply countertop receptacles in the kitchen with GFCI protection is gone!  

• In the 2023 NEC, all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles installed in a dwelling unit kitchen, regardless of their location or purpose, require GFCI protection. 

The 2023 Code in Action

But why this addition? Why expand the GFCI requirement beyond the kitchen? 

The reasoning lies between the lines of (A)(6) and (A)(7) in the 2023 NEC. It's evident that there's a potential risk in areas outside the kitchen, like a butler’s pantry or above a basement bar, where food and beverage preparation can occur, and moisture is ever-present. Now, thanks to the 2023 NEC, the loophole that may have left a receptacle 7 ft from a sink without GFCI protection is closed. 

These changes reflect a simple truth: safety should never be compromised. With the increased use of electrical appliances in our modern homes, these adjustments ensure that even in spaces where we might not consider electrical risks, we are shielded from potential hazards. 

Looking Forward: 

As we step into the future, it's encouraging to see the NEC remain dedicated to our well-being, adapting to our changing lifestyles and needs. While some might view these revisions as minor, they represent a significant stride in ensuring every corner of our homes is safe from electrical hazards. Always remember, it's not just about convenience; it's about creating an environment where families can thrive without unforeseen risks. 

Sample Video Script

[Open with a montage of modern homes, focusing on different electrical outlets in various rooms, then fade to Scott standing in a contemporary kitchen with a countertop full of electrical appliances.] 

Scott: "Today we're delving into the evolution of electrical safety in our homes."

[Cut to close-ups of a GFCI outlet, then back to Scott.] 

Scott: "Our main focus? The Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter, or GFCI. Let's dive into what's new." 

[2023 NEC - What has changed?] 

[Transition to a side-by-side comparison of an old vs. new home kitchen.] 

Scott: "Back in 2020, the NEC had a list of specific spots in homes that required GFCI protection. But now, 2023 brings with it a new addition, and we're here to break it down." 

[2020 NEC Overview] 

[Cut to a visualization of the 2020 NEC locations, highlighting each one mentioned.] 

Scott: "The 2020 NEC had some key areas where GFCI protection was mandatory: bathrooms, garages, kitchens, and more. Especially important was the rule for places near sinks." 

[2023 NEC Adjustments] 

[Transition to a 2023 kitchen setting, showcasing a more extensive array of appliances and outlets.] 

Scott: "Now, the 2023 NEC has expanded its horizon. The new (A)(7) criterion focuses on areas with sinks AND provisions for food or drink prep. That means broader protection." 

[Applying the 2023 Code] 

[Cut to Scott, pointing out different areas in the kitchen and then moving to a butler’s pantry.] 

Scott: "Wondering why the change? Think about areas outside your kitchen, like this pantry. Moisture from food and drink prep can be a hazard, and every outlet, whether it's 6 feet or 7 feet from a sink, needs protection." 

[Show clips of families cooking together, blending drinks, and children getting water from a sink.] 

Scott: "Safety should always be paramount. And with more electrical gadgets in our lives, these updates ensure that every nook and cranny of our homes remains risk-free." 

[Looking Forward] 

[Fade to a calm setting of Scott in a living room, with soft lighting.] 

Scott: "As we navigate the future, it's heartening to see how dedicated the NEC is to our safety. While some might see these changes as small steps, they're giant leaps in safeguarding our homes." 

[Camera zooms out slowly.] 

Scott: "After all, it's not just about convenience. It's about creating spaces where we all can thrive safely."