GFCI
AppliesThis dwelling-unit receptacle location is on the 2026 NEC list.
NEC references: 210.8(A)
Circuit protection
GFCI and AFCI Requirement Finder
Check selected 2026 NEC GFCI and AFCI requirements by occupancy, location, circuit rating, and installation type.
GFCI and AFCI check
Circuit and location
V
For 120/240 V single-phase or 208Y/120 V, this is usually 120 V. The finder assumes standard sinusoidal AC.
A
V
Equipment and work
Installation details
Check 422.5(A) and (B). Nonsinusoidal AC and DC systems need separate review.
For a receptacle required by 210.63; these conditions are separate from area-based GFCI rules.
The check also requires a single-phase 125 V, 15 A or 20 A receptacle.
A listed Class C SPGFCI is a permitted alternative for covered outdoor HVAC equipment under 2026 NEC 210.8(F).
If an exception may apply, the finder will request review instead of deciding from incomplete details.
2026 NEC screening
Protection findings
AFCI
AppliesThe location and circuit match the 2026 NEC AFCI conditions checked here. Confirm the permitted protection method and any equipment-specific exception.
NEC references: 210.12(B)
Screening referenceChecks selected requirements in 2026 NEC Article 210. It does not cover every occupancy, exception, equipment rule, local amendment, or adopted edition. Verify the job conditions and applicable requirements with the authority having jurisdiction.
About this finder
Enter the occupancy, location, circuit conditions, and type of work. The finder checks selected GFCI and AFCI provisions in NEC Article 210 and shows the sections that match.
“No match in checked rules” is not a finding that protection is unnecessary. Other NEC articles, product listings, equipment instructions, and local amendments can change the result.
Method and assumptions
GFCI checks cover listed dwelling and other-occupancy locations, selected appliances, crawl-space lighting outlets, required service receptacles, and dwelling outdoor outlets. AFCI checks cover selected dwelling, dormitory, and sleeping-area rules, plus limited branch-circuit wiring changes.
Voltage inputs assume standard sinusoidal AC and use RMS values. Nonsinusoidal AC and DC systems are outside this screening model. Where an exception, special occupancy, replacement receptacle, or local condition needs facts this form does not collect, the result requests review rather than deciding the exception.
The reference is the 2026 NEC. NEC adoption and amendment dates vary by jurisdiction; verify the edition in force for the project.
FAQs
Does “No match in checked rules” mean protection is not required?
No. It means the entered details did not match the specific Article 210 provisions checked here. Other NEC articles, equipment instructions, local amendments, and the adopted code edition may still require protection.
Why does the result ask me to review an exception?
Exceptions depend on conditions such as equipment listing, circuit use, wiring changes, and location. This finder flags the applicable section but does not assume those conditions are met.
Does this tool cover every occupancy?
No. Health-care, hazardous, assembly, and other special occupancies can have additional or modified requirements. The finder marks specialty occupancies as outside its coverage.
Which NEC edition does this page reference?
The checks reference selected provisions in the 2026 NEC. Use the edition adopted by the local authority having jurisdiction, including any amendments and effective dates.
Sources
- NFPA 70 (NEC), 2026 edition, Sections 210.8, 210.12, 422.5, and 406.4(D)(4)
- Confirm adopted code text, effective dates, local amendments, equipment listings, and instructions with the authority having jurisdiction.