Are Gfci Needed In Laundry Rooms

Yes as of the 2017 edition of the national electrical code nec any receptacles in a laundry room must be gfci protected.

Are gfci needed in laundry rooms.

If the water supply is permanently connected to washing machines in a laundry area does it require a class a gfci protected receptacle. The nec doesn t require gfci protection for clothes washing machines specifically but it does for laundry areas. Gfci receptacles are required in bathrooms garages crawl spaces basements laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present. So does my washing machine need a gfci outlet.

Gfci protection is required for 125 volt to 250 volt receptacles supplied by single phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. Otherwise you probably need a a new washing machine or you will be fixing you old one so it runs on a gfci. With this said the nec doesn t say that a washing machine needs to to be on a gfci but it does say that the laundry area must have them installed. Although the code does not specifically state that a washing machine receptacle has to be gfci the washing machine must have water service and a drain so its location becomes defined as a laundry.

Gfci receptacle outlets electrical question. The code mandate was later expanded to include any receptacles in a laundry room in the 2014 nec. The only wiggle room for the washing machine is if it drains into a standpipe drain and there is no sink. Over the years gfci receptacles have been required in more locations such as garages bathrooms kitchens etc.

Receptacles within 6 feet of a laundry sink were first required to be gfci protected by the 2005 edition of the national electrical code nec. Now let s refer to nec 2017 section 210 8 for the answer to the gfci portion of our question. According to the nec a gfci is required if the power outlet is within 1 8 meter radius from the water source. Gfci receptacles were required in houses starting in 1971.

Because by definition where the washing machine is located becomes the laundry the two phases of this requirement meant that initially a washing. 2005 does require gfci 6 from laundry sinks. Occupancy controlled lighting will be required too. In laundry rooms and utility rooms gfcis should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks washing machines and water heaters.

See the nec code requirements in the table below for more specific information. So in this case yes the washing machine would need to be on a gfci receptacle if in a laundry area which i assume that it would be. Originally they were only required at the exterior of the house and by swimming pool equipment. They should also be installed within six feet of a wet bar.