CSLB C-10 Electrical ContractorEquipment and InstallationMedium
An electrician installs a 125-volt, 15-ampere receptacle on a countertop 4 feet from the edge of a sink in an employee break room within a commercial office building. Per NEC 210.8(B), is GFCI protection required for this receptacle?
- ANo, GFCI protection in commercial break rooms only applies to receptacles serving dishwashers.
- BYes, but only if the receptacle serves a 20-ampere small appliance branch circuit.
- CYes, GFCI protection is required because the receptacle is within 6 feet of the sink's edge.
- DNo, GFCI protection is only required for receptacles in dwelling unit kitchens, not commercial break rooms.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Yes, GFCI protection is required because the receptacle is within 6 feet of the sink's edge.
NEC 210.8(B) requires GFCI protection for 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed within 6 feet of the outside edge of a sink in other than dwelling units, which includes break room sinks in commercial buildings.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. GFCI requirements are based on proximity to the sink, not the appliance served.
- B. The ampere rating of the branch circuit does not exempt the receptacle from GFCI protection.
- D. 210.8(B) explicitly extends GFCI requirements to non-dwelling occupancies.
GFCI Near Sinks — Non-Dwelling (210.8(B))
In other than dwelling units, 125V, 15/20A receptacles within 6 feet of a sink's outside edge require GFCI protection.
- Applies to break rooms, commercial kitchens, and similar spaces
- Measured from the outside edge of the sink bowl
- Mirrors the dwelling unit rule but covers commercial/industrial settings
Memory trick: 'Six feet from any sink, plug in a GFCI link.'