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Does the receptacle outlet in a garage for a sprinkler control panel have to be GFCI-protected?

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Because a sprinkler control panel mounted on the wall of a garage is considered by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to be a dedicated appliance that is not easily movable, it was allowed an exemption for many years from the requirement for GFCI-protection for garage receptacles. But the receptacle that it was plugged into had to be a single-outlet type. 

    Then the 2008 edition of the NEC eliminated that exemption, and now requires all garage receptacles, including sprinkler control panel receptacles, to be GFCI-protected, with only one narrow exemption: “receptacles that are not readily accessible AND are supplied by a dedicated branch circuit for electric snow-melting or deicing equipment” that is permanently installed.

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about AFCI and GFCI RECEPTACLES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS:

Does a septic pump or sump pump require a GFCI-receptacle?

What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker?

Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) really necessary and worth the trouble? 

What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink?

When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? 

When did arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers first become required?

Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection?

My spa tub stopped working. What's wrong?  

How do I identify a combination AFCI (CAFCI) circuit breaker? 

What does "listed and labeled" mean for an electrical component? 

What electrical hazards does a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) NOT protect against?  

What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers? 

Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required?

When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required?

What happens when you press the "TEST" button on a circuit breaker in an electric panel?

What is the difference between the electric service to a mobile home and a site built home? 

Why is there a wall switch next to the furnace or indoor unit of the air conditioner in the garage?

What is a Dual Function Circuit Interrupter (DFCI)? 

How I can tell if a receptacle outlet is tamper resistant?

What is the difference between a Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (CAFCI) and an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) circuit breaker?  

What is the difference between "grounded" and "grounding" electrical conductors? 

How is it possible to provide both GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and CAFCI (Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection for kitchen and laundry circuits?

My bathroom electric receptacle/outlet is dead and there are no tripped breakers in the electric panel. What's wrong?  

My GFCI reset button is hard to push and won't reset. What's wrong?

Why do some breakers in my electric panel have a "TEST" button on them?

    Visit our AFCI AND GFCI and SPRINKLER SYSTEMS pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

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