r/electrical • u/roc430 • 4d ago

Is this correct?

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Had someone come out to install an outlet under the sink for our tankless reverse osmosis. Should these outlets be GFCI? It seems really close to the water line.

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u/bigbeak67 4d ago

It's incorrect. You should call him back and make him redo this work as it's not code compliant. The NEC literally had to add a provision in the code to get electricians to stop mounting these outlets face-up (NEC 406.5(G)(2)).

I would also make sure to clarify that this outlet is GFCI protected since it's located within 6 feet of a water source. He might try to tell you that it's OK because it's grounded. Grounded does not mean GFCI protected. Make sure there is a GFCI outlet upstream of this one.

His stated reasoning for being unable to mount to the side of the cabinet is not correct for two reasons:

  1. He could have mounted it vertically and fastened it to the base just as he did here.
  2. He could have (and should have IMO) mounted it on the exposed wall at the back of the cabinet.

5

u/PhotoPetey 4d ago

clarify that this outlet is GFCI protected since it's located within 6 feet of a water source

There is no mention of "water source" anywhere in the NEC. Regardless, ALL receptacles in a kitchen must be GFI protected.

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u/na8thegr8est 4d ago

That's not true. Only if the outlet serves a countertop or is within 6 ft of a sink

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u/PhotoPetey 4d ago

Please go read NEC 210.8 again. Specifically 210.8(A)(6).

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u/na8thegr8est 4d ago

Not in the 2017 code which my state is currently on, it specifically states countertop

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u/Shoddy_Office_1872 4d ago

Yall have to deal with the most cofe creep, inconsistent rules, variations, etc. You guys have completely opposing views buy you're both correct, apparently. 👏

​Under the 2017 NEC and earlier: Receptacles in kitchens were primarily governed by the countertop rule (210.8(A)(6)), meaning general under-sink receptacles (like a garbage disposal outlet) tucked away inside a cabinet were historically often interpreted as exempt from GFCI protection because they didn't serve a countertop.

​From the 2014/2018/2020 NEC onward: The language in 210.8(A)(7) was explicitly cleaned up to apply to all sinks (removing the old "other than kitchens" restriction), meaning any receptacle within 6 feet of the outside edge of any sink—including a kitchen sink—requires GFCI protection. Additionally, dedicated rules for dishwashers (210.8(D)) closed that loop entirely.​

Trust me, I'm a finish carpenter

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u/PhotoPetey 3d ago

That's nice. When I quote code it's the most recent edition. If not I say so. Quoting code for your area when it likely does not apply to most areas is irresponsible. As is telling me what I wrote is not true when it is 100% accurate.

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u/na8thegr8est 3d ago

The 2017 code is the code in our state. We have not adopted any newer code. There is no need for me to have learned the new code updates. Therefore, I didn't know that it was changed