Quick links: | Article 210.8 (B) (13  | NEC Requirement | NEC 2023 code change/intention | Rationale for change

• 210.8(B)(13) GFCI Protection for Aquariums 

Section 210.8(B) includes requirements for other than dwelling units and includes a list of locations that require receptacles to be protected by a listed Class A GFCI. The protection can be a part of the receptacle or an upstream circuit breaker or upstream receptacle. The requirements of 210.8(B) impact all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground. The ampere range of the single-phase branch circuit is 50 Amperes or less. Three phase branch circuits of 100 Amperes or less and 150 volts or less to ground are also included.

There is a total of (15) identified locations and six exceptions.

When determining which receptacles, or in the case of list item (7), which receptacles supplying cord-and-plug-connected fixed or stationary appliances, must be GFCI protected in the identified locations, a measurement must be taken. The measurement is made as the shortest path the power supply cord that is connected to the receptacle, or fixed or stationary appliance, would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier.

Existing list item (2) has been separated into two separate list items as they are two separate areas and beverage preparation was added.  A new list item (4) addresses Buffet serving areas that have permanent provisions for food serving, beveraging serving, or cooking. List item (7) which addresses receptacles installed within 6 ft. of sinks was modified to include fixed or stationary appliances served by a receptacle where the fixed or stationary appliance is within 6 ft. of the sink. New list item (13) is added to require GFCI protection for aquariums, bait wells, and similar open aquatic vessels or containers. 

 

Separating list item (2) into two separate list items is adding clarity as the new list item (3) is not a kitchen which is now the sole area for list item (2).  The addition of beverage preparation recognizes that receptacles in these areas serving appliances should be afforded the same level of protection for food serving. One could argue beverage serving provides an increased concern to shock over food serving. List item (4) for buffet serving areas addresses an area that has up until NEC 2023 escaped any GFCI requirements.  It can be demonstrated that many of these installations already include GFCI protection above and beyond previous requirements. These locations are often found with stainless steel infrastructure, electric power for lighting and heating of food, and fluids such as water, soups and more. The new list item (7) recognizes that the appliance is the hazard and not the receptacle. During discussions for kitchen dwelling unit expansion and appliance requirements found in 210.8(D) it was recognized that the hazard is the appliance and not the receptacle but historically requirements have been keyed off of the receptacle for ease of locating what must be GFCI protected. Finally new list item (13) was added as these locations provide the perfect storm for shock hazard due to large enclosures with water and electrical equipment either lighting the tanks or in many cases heating and aerating the tanks. Some examples are provided to help in interpretation, noting tanks or bowls. The measurement here again is 6 feet from the top inside edge or rim from the conductive support framing of the vessel or container.