Code Q&A

March 3, 2011

Q. What are the GFCI protection requirements for agricultural buildings wiring?

A. GFCI protection is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V, general-purpose receptacles (circuits are rated 120V and receptacles are rated 125V) located in the following areas [547.5(G)]:

In areas having an equipotential plane in accordance with 547.10(A).
Outdoors.
In damp or wet locations.
In dirt confinement areas for livestock.

GFCI protection is not required for a receptacle supplying a dedicated load where a 15A or 20A, 125V, GFCI-protected receptacle is located within 3 ft of the receptacle for the dedicated load. Dedicated loads include brooders, incubators, feed mixers, feed grinders, feed conveyors, and the like.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.