BlueCollarBench

Trades/Electrical

ElectricalTask EL-021journeymanCodeUS

Rough-in on a new house.

Prompt as given to every model

Rough-in on a new house. Which receptacles actually have to be GFCI protected?

Model answers

Pick up to two to compare side by side. Score chips fill in as the judge grades.

Laguna S 2.1Score —

Based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), here are the areas where GFCI protection is required for receptacles in a new house:

1. All 15A and 20A, 125V Receptacles in:

  • Bathrooms: All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in or on the wall behind the sink (NEC 210.8(A)(1)).
  • Garages: All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in garages (NEC 210.8(A)(2)).
  • Outdoors: All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed outdoors (NEC 210.8(A)(3)).
  • Crawl Spaces: All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in crawl spaces (NEC 210.8(A)(4)).
  • Basements: All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in unfinished areas of basements (NEC 210.8(A)(5)).
  • Under Stairs: All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in areas under stairs (NEC 210.8(A)(6)).
  • Lavatories (in dwelling units other than dwelling units with 3 or more stories): All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in or on the wall behind the sink (NEC 210.8(A)(7)).

2. Kitchen Countertop Receptacles:

  • All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed to serve countertop outlets in kitchens (NEC 210.8(A)(6)).

3. Laundry Areas:

  • All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in laundry areas (NEC 210.8(A)(10)).

4. Utility Sinks:

  • All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in areas with a sink or similar fixture (NEC 210.8(A)(11)).

Important Notes:

  • GFCI Protection Methods: You can use GFCI receptacles or GFCI circuit breakers to provide this protection.
  • Local Codes: Always check local electrical codes, as they may have additional requirements or be more stringent than the NEC.
  • Licensed Electrician: If unsure about any aspect of installation, consult a licensed electrician.

This list covers the primary areas where GFCI protection is mandated by the NEC for dwelling units.

725 tokens · 10.3s

Judge rubric · pending

Not graded yet. Grading starts when the exam run completes.

Nemotron 3 Ultra 550BScore —

Per 2023 NEC 210.8(A), all 125V–250V receptacles in these locations require GFCI protection (breaker or device). "Readily accessible" no longer matters.

Required Locations (Dwelling Units):

  1. Bathrooms (210.8(A)(1))
  2. Garages & accessory buildings (210.8(A)(2)) — includes EV charger receptacles.
  3. Outdoors (210.8(A)(3)) — includes HVAC, balcony/deck/porch receptacles.
  4. Crawl spaces (at or below grade) (210.8(A)(4))
  5. Unfinished basements (210.8(A)(5)) — Exception: Dedicated receptacle for fire/burglar alarm, sump pump, or permanently installed dehumidifier (single outlet, not readily accessible).
  6. KitchensAll countertop receptacles + any receptacle ≤ 6 ft of sink (210.8(A)(6)). Refrigerator receptacle only if ≤ 6 ft of sink.
  7. Sinks (non-kitchen) — Receptacles ≤ 6 ft (210.8(A)(7)) — e.g., wet bar, laundry.
  8. Bathtub/Shower — Receptacles ≤ 6 ft (210.8(A)(8)).
  9. Laundry areasAll receptacles (210.8(A)(9)).
  10. Indoor damp/wet locations (210.8(A)(10)).
  11. Pool/Spa/Fountain areas (210.8(A)(11), 680.22).

Common "Dedicated" Appliances Requiring GFCI (210.8(A) + Appliance Codes):

  • Dishwasher (422.16)
  • Garbage Disposal (422.16)
  • Microwave (if countertop/≤6ft sink)
  • EV Supply Equipment (625.54)
  • HVAC condensate pumps / indoor units in damp locations.

Pro Tip: Use GFCI breakers for garage, outdoor, basement, laundry, and kitchen circuits. Saves device cost, protects the whole run, and meets "readily accessible" reset requirement (210.8(C)) at the panel. Use dead-front GFCIs only for isolated locations (e.g., whirlpool tub motor access).

Verify: Local amendments may add locations (e.g., all basement receptacles finished/unfinished). Check with AHJ.

697 tokens · 9.0s

Judge rubric · pending

Not graded yet. Grading starts when the exam run completes.