CSLB C-10 Electrical ContractorEquipment and InstallationEasy
A homeowner wants a new 120-volt, 20-ampere receptacle installed on the exterior wall of the dwelling near the patio. What type of protection is required for this receptacle per the CEC?
- AGFCI protection only
- BNo special protection required if the receptacle is within 6 feet of grade
- CAFCI protection only
- DBoth AFCI and GFCI protection combined
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. GFCI protection only
NEC 210.8(A)(3) requires GFCI protection for all 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed outdoors at dwelling units, regardless of height above grade.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. There is no height exemption for outdoor receptacle GFCI protection.
- C. AFCI alone does not address shock hazards from ground faults outdoors.
- D. Combined AFCI/GFCI is not mandated for outdoor receptacles by this section.
Outdoor Dwelling GFCI
All 125V, 15/20A receptacles installed outdoors at dwelling units must have GFCI protection.
- Applies regardless of receptacle height or accessibility
- Covers patios, balconies, and yard receptacles
- Part of NEC 210.8(A) dwelling unit GFCI locations list
Memory trick: Outside, water lurks — GFCI must work.