GFI4Less Articles
GFCI Bathroom Code Requirements
Direct answer: Under the National Electrical Code, all bathroom receptacles require GFCI protection, regardless of distance from the sink. This has been a stable, long-standing requirement across multiple code cycles.
Bathroom GFCIs experience more failures and nuisance trips than any other location in the home, largely from years of accumulated shower steam and humidity.
What counts as a 'bathroom' under the code
The NEC defines a bathroom as an area with a sink and either a toilet, tub, or shower (or a combination). Any receptacle in that space needs GFCI protection — there's no exemption for outlets placed far from the sink.
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Why bathroom GFCIs need more attention over time
Constant humidity and occasional splashes accelerate wear on the internal components far faster than in a dry living room outlet. It's one of the reasons monthly testing (via the built-in test button) matters more in bathrooms than almost anywhere else in the home.