Which dwelling-unit outlets require GFCI protection?

• A. Outdoor outlets only.
• B. Kitchen counters, bathrooms, garages, unfinished basements, and outdoor outlets in damp locations.
• C. All outlets in the dwelling.
• D. No outlets require GFCI protection.

Answer: (B)

GFCI protection is required in dwelling units for receptacles located in areas where moisture or wet conditions create a higher risk of electric shock. The protection is designed to trip quickly if a ground fault occurs, usually within a fraction of a second, to cut power and reduce the danger.

In dwelling units, this protection is required for outlets serving kitchen countertops, bathrooms, garages, unfinished basements, and outdoor outlets that are in damp locations. Kitchens have countertop outlets where moisture and spills are common, bathrooms have outlets near sinks, garages and unfinished basements are often damp, and outdoor outlets are exposed to weather. These locations are specifically singled out because they pose a greater shock risk and therefore must have GFCI protection.

The other options don’t fit because not every outlet in a home requires GFCI protection—only those in the listed damp or wet areas. And saying all outlets require GFCI or that no outlets require it would contradict the code’s specific location requirements.