• A GFCI outlet.electrical outlet image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) devices protect people from potentially deadly electrical shocks. They first appeared in the National Electrical Code (NEC) in 1973 for most outdoor outlets in residential buildings, where they proved so effective they were quickly implemented in many interior areas of the home. The 2008 NEC further expanded the existing requirements both inside and outside buildings. Knowing where GFCI protection is currently required on the exterior will help you determine if your home would benefit from additional protection.
  
  

General Requirements

• As of the 2008 NEC, virtually all 120-volt outdoor receptacles on 15-to-20-amp circuits require protection. In practical terms, this means that any common outlet you might plug a small appliance into on the exterior of the home, such as a radio or a portable fan, needs to be protected by either a GFCI outlet or be on a circuit protected by a GFCI breaker. This includes outlets on the roof, outlets on patios, etc. However, it does not include outlets inside enclosed closets that are only accessible from the exterior of the home, but which are actually considered interior space, such as a furnace or water heater closet.
  
  

Exceptions

• The NEC excludes most 240-volt receptacles on the exterior. These receptacles feed power-hungry appliances like wall-mounted air-conditioning units or recreational vehicles. However, an exception to this exception may catch you off guard: when outlets of this type are installed within 10 feet of water, GFCI protection is once again required. The only exception for 120-volt receptacles is for inaccessible outlets on dedicated circuits that provide power to equipment that removes ice or snow from buildings.
  
  

Pool and Spa

• Many older spas and pool lack GFCI protection, but current standards require that pool pumps,120-volt submerged light systems and freestanding hot tubs all have protection in place to help minimize electrocution hazards.
  
  

Considerations

• Codes change over time, and many buildings have GFCI protection that complies with the standards at the time of construction rather than with current standards. The NEC does not require the upgrade of existing systems to meet the current 2008 code, although the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends it. Local regulations may exist, however, that require an upgrade whenever electrical work is performed or when a property changes ownership. If you have questions regarding the necessity of upgrading your current protection, contact your local municipality.