Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: VIC1958, Location: Torrington, CT
Asked on: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 9:06 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:04 am EDT
Question: Commercial building..........30amp/220 recepticle is within 5' of counter top sink. Does this need to be GFCI protected? Electrician says no because it is a "single point outlet". Can not find it in the NEC 2005. Any help would be appreciated.
2005 NEC, Section 210.8(B)(4)
Receptacles installed within 5 feet of the top inside edge of the bathtub or shower stall's curb shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
Exception
Receptacles that are not readily accessible from the bathtub or shower stall.
Interpretation
In this case, the receptacle is within 5 feet of the sink's counter top. The NEC does not specifically address receptacles near sinks, only bathtubs and shower stalls. However, the exception for receptacles that are not readily accessible from the bathtub or shower stall could be interpreted to apply to sinks as well.
Conclusion:
The electrician's interpretation that a single point outlet within 5 feet of a sink counter top does not need GFCI protection may be technically correct based on the strict wording of the NEC. However, it would be good practice to install a GFCI for added safety. Flag for review