When is ground-fault protection (GFCI) typically required for receptacles?

• A. In wet or damp locations and in certain areas such as outdoors, bathrooms, kitchens, and garages
• B. In all circuits
• C. Only outdoors
• D. Only in industrial facilities

Answer: (A)

GFCI protection is about quickly cutting power when current leaks to ground, which greatly reduces the risk of electric shock in moist conditions. Because moisture increases shock risk, receptacles must have GFCI protection in wet or damp locations and in areas where moisture is common—outdoors, bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. The protection can be built into the receptacle itself or provided by a GFCI device upstream in the circuit. It isn’t required for every circuit, and it isn’t limited to outdoor or industrial settings; many indoor locations aren’t considered damp and don’t need GFCI protection unless moisture is present.