Code Change Summary: New requirements for GFCI protection in dwelling units were added.

Previously, the GFCI protection required for kitchen receptacles in Section 210.8(A)(6) was dependent on whether the receptacles served the countertop surface. In the 2023 NEC^®, the phrase “where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces” was removed. Now all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground installed in a dwelling unit kitchen must have GFCI protection even if they do not serve the countertop.

In addition, a new location was added to the existing list of places in a dwelling where GFCI protection is required. Areas with sinks and permanent provisions for food preparation, beverage preparation, or cooking will now trigger GFCI protection requirements.

A dwelling unit bar or partial kitchen may have a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation, beverage preparation, or cooking. All 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground installed in these “areas” will now require GFCI protection regardless of how close the receptacle is to the sink.

Be sure to check all exceptions not shown in the sample code language below!

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.