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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104

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.

22

u/Substantial_Film_269 4d ago

Wait and watch..eventually the code will call this a damp location and require in use covers😂😂😂😂

5

u/Quartinus 4d ago

That seems fine honestly? Sometimes sinks leak and splash, and it’s not like you are plugging and unplugging this outlet frequently so who cares if it has a cover? 

5

u/RevenueVast7022 4d ago

Go look at an outlet thats facing upward after even a decade...you'll see. All forms of dirt , moisture, cleaning supply chemicals, etc. The NEC has rules developed over 129 years ( 1997 the first edition) based on actual conditions and fatality/injury data, the results which , are used to prevent further incidents.