Code Change Summary: A clarification was made to ensure that ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel (GFCI), is required for 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed within 6 ft. of a “kitchen” sink.
For many years, 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in a dwelling unit kitchen were only required to have GFCI protection if the receptacle served the kitchen counter. This left other similar receptacles (such as the one under the counter for a dishwasher or waste disposer) without any GFCI requirements, even if they were physically located within 6 ft. of the sink.
The same issue applied to a 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle behind the refrigerator, or on the wall in the kitchen but not above the counter. Based on the old code language, if this receptacle was within 6 ft. of the sink, it would not require GFCI protection since it does not actually serve the kitchen counter.
The 2014 NEC now makes it clear that all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles within 6 ft. of any sink in a dwelling, including the kitchen sink, must have GFCI protection even if they are under the sink, behind the refrigerator or on an adjacent kitchen wall but not serving the counter.
Below is a preview of the NEC. See the actual NEC text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2011 Code Language:
210.8(A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20- ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through (8) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(6) Kitchens— where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces.
(7) Sinks — located in areas other than kitchens where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the sink.
2014 Code Language:
210.8(A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through (10) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(6) Kitchens — where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces.
(7) Sinks — where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the sink.