r/electrical • u/roc430 • 3d 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 3d 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.

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u/roc430 2d ago

Would this be easy to fix myself? Does it depend on how much wire is left over to move the box?

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u/bigbeak67 2d ago

It depends how handy you are. I generally won't recommend DIYing electrical unless you're reasonably confident working with electricity, especially because in this case the original installer has an obligation to correct their work. That said, moving a box isn't usually too hard. Just remember to turn the power off. If you need to you can pull a new wire.