Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: Preventing Electrocution Since 1973 - Electrical Safety Foundation International

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

Since the first introduction of GFCIs in homes, there has been an:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that:

Was your home built before 1976? Have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical system to ensure it is up to code.

Qualified electricians are:

Licensed to work in your state
Dedicated to continual quality of work based on continuing education
Trained on the National Electrical Code – the minimum safety standard for electrical work
Qualified electricians have 500-750 days of on the job apprenticeship training and 144 hours of classroom training before they are licensed to work on your home or business

(Data from National Vital Statistics System, Mortality on CDC WONDER Online Database)

Major GFCI Mandates in the National Electrical Code.

1971: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required for outdoor receptacles
1975: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required for bathroom receptacles
1978: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in garage wall receptacles
1987:
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters on countertop receptacles within 6 ft of kitchen sink
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in at least one basement receptacle
1990: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in crawl spaces
1993: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required within 6 ft of wet bar sinks
1996:
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in all outdoor receptacles, including balconies
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required for all kitchen receptacles serving countertops
1999: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required for electric heating cables in all floors
2005: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required within 6 ft of laundry & utility sinks
2011: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles within 6 ft of any sink
2014:
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles within 6 ft of any bathtub or shower stall
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles in laundry areas
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles or junction boxes for kitchen dishwashers
2017: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Current Requirements
2020:
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in Outdoor Hardwired Outlets
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in Sump Pumps