Code Change Summary: New code section on protecting floor receptacles.

In the 2023 NEC^®, new Section 406.4(G) was added which provides the following two requirements intended to provide additional protection for floor receptacles:

1. Physical protection of floor receptacles must allow the operation of floor-cleaning equipment without damage to receptacles.
2. GFCI protection is now required for all single-phase, 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere floor receptacles located in food courts and waiting areas of passenger transportation facilities where food or drinks are allowed.

Note that item 1 above is not specific to certain receptacle types, configurations, phase, or voltage.

Note that item 2 above only applies to single-phase, 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere floor receptacles in specific areas.

Neither 1, nor 2 above apply to the actual floor box the receptacle is installed in.

This code change came from a public input intending to address issues that commonly occur at airports where drink spills on or around floor receptacles are frequent.

Thousands of people come through transportation facilities every week and look for a place to charge their devices, which results in floor receptacle covers remaining open.

Maintenance personnel tending to a spill could be at risk when mopping up liquids that are present around floor receptacles in areas the NEC^® considers to be dry locations where GFCI protection is not typically required from Section 210.8(B).

Existing code language in Section 314.27(B) addresses the boxes used to enclose floor receptacles but provides no requirements similar to this new code section.

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.