Does A Laundry Room Need A GFCI? 2023 Update!

Updating the wiring in your laundry room is a clever move, ensuring a safe environment and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). One of the most critical components to ensure your home is up to code and safe from electrical shock is a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).

But do you need a GFCI in your laundry room? Let’s explore the ins and outs of laundry room circuits, dual-function AFCI/GFCI breakers, and the importance of GFCI-protected outlets for a smooth electrical upgrade.

A Laundry room needs GFCI to ensure safety from electric shock and other potential hazards due to the presence of water in the area. Prefer hiring a qualified electrician who knows local building codes and NEC standards. It’s vital to check the amperage and voltage ratings of the GFCI to ensure that it is suitable for your laundry room.

This post will explain why you should install one in your laundry room, what a GFCI is and how it works, the benefits of using a GFCI in your laundry room, and finally, where to install one for optimal safety.

Does My Washing Machine Need a GFCI Outlet? 

GFCI outlets are safety devices that protect people from the potential electric shock hazard of any potentially faulty wiring. They are designed to detect small imbalances in an electrical circuit and quickly shut off the power if it senses a short or overload. This prevents shocks, fires, and other related hazards. 

In addition to this, GFCIs can help reduce energy consumption by eliminating the need for long extension cords and saving money on electricity bills. GFCIs don’t require any special skills to install, so they can be easily set up even if you don’t have much experience with electrical work.

Now, for your laundry room, if you're using 115V circuits (the normal ones), they should be both AFCI and GFCI from 2014 and newer codes. 

And guess what? If you have bigger 230V machines, like dryers, they also need GFCI starting from the 2020 code. The laundry room circuit with the washing machine is special – it's only for the laundry room. You can't plug anything else into it. 

But here’s a cool thing: if you want another circuit for something else in the room, like maybe an iron, it doesn’t add to the amount of power you’re allowed to use. So, it’s like a bonus circuit that won’t cost you extra.

You can even extend it from a nearby room if that’s easier. So, you could have one circuit just for the laundry room and another for anything else you want to plug in nearby.

When to Install GFCI Outlet or GFCI Breaker?

When it comes to GFCI protection, you’ve got two main choices: GFCI outlets or GFCI breakers.

For laundry room circuits, a GFCI outlet is required when replacing a non-GFCI outlet for a new washing machine or during renovations.

If replacing an existing outlet connected to a washing machine, installing a GFCI outlet is necessary.

Additionally, GFCI protection can be provided at the breaker or receptacle level. While a breaker offers 100% circuit protection, a receptacle can safeguard the specific outlet and others downstream if connected through the “load.”

A GFCI dead-front is an alternative, though less common. Choosing between a breaker and a receptacle depends on practicality, cost, and specific requirements.

Note: While a GFCI breaker does the job perfectly. It protects the whole circuit, making individual GFCI outlets unnecessary.

This makes the setup easier, ensures consistent protection, and keeps everything in line with safety standards

Location Considerations: According to the Updated 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) 

NEC Code Update:

The Department of Labor and Industry enforced the 250-volt GFCI receptacle and outlet requirements (NEC 210.8(A) and 210.8(F)) starting April 5, 2021. This revision addressed previous concerns about the availability of 2-pole GFCI circuit breakers. Electrical work authorized by permits issued on or after April 5, 2021, was required to comply with the 2020 NEC. 

Note: Effective November 30, 2023, the National Electrical Code (NEC) has undergone revisions. For detailed information, please consult the 2023 NEC

When it comes to the National Electrical Code (NEC), some factors that affect whether your washing machine needs a GFCI outlet to include the location of the washing machine, the age of your home, and any alterations made to the existing space. 

Generally speaking, a laundry area should be equipped with GFCI protection. However, it is important to note that if the area did not require GFCI protection when your home was built unless other alterations are made then no further GFCI protection may be required. 

Additionally, a washing machine installation in any location other than a dwelling will not require GFCI protection, according to the NEC.

When it comes to dwelling units, the 2021 NEC requires that all 125 Volt 15A and 20A branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in “laundry areas” (located in a bathroom or an unfinished basement)  must be GFCI/AFCI protected. (NEC 210.12)

Therefore, when installing a washing machine in any area of a newer home, it will need to be GFCI/AFCI protected regardless. 

Additionally, if the washing machine is located within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the edge of the sink in any room containing a sink, then GFCI protection would have to be provided in accordance with NEC 210.8(A) and 406.4

It is important to understand the locations of these receptacles in order to ensure that they are provided with the necessary GFCI protection.

New Updates!!!

In existing setups (NEC Section 250.140(B)(5)), if your outlet or junction box for a range or dryer lacks a grounding wire, you can now connect the range or dryer frame to a specific wire called the grounded conductor. This wire must be part of a Type SE service-entrance cable from a source other than a service panel.

Ensure this grounded conductor is insulated or covered to prevent contact with non-current-carrying metal parts. The latest code allows more flexibility compared to previous versions.

In NEC Section 210.8(D), a new rule has been added about GFCI protection for certain appliances. Now, appliances like electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and microwave ovens must have GFCI protection, regardless of whether they’re hardwired or connected with a cord and plug.

This ensures safety for appliances rated 150V or less to ground and 60A or less.

The code update makes it clear that these appliances need GFCI protection for both types of connections.

Additional Safety Tip!

In addition to the NEC requirements, it is always recommended that homeowners and landlords provide further protections for washing machines by installing GFCI protection directly onto the appliance itself.

This provides an extra layer of safety and can help to prevent electric shock in the event of a short circuit or overload. 

Where to Install GFCIs in a Laundry Room?

GFCIs should be installed in any area of the laundry room that has outlets. This includes near washers, dryers, and other electrical appliances. 

Additionally, any outside outlets should also have a GFCI installed, as these can be especially vulnerable to water and moisture.

Finally, you should also consider installing GFCIs near other areas, such as the sink or bathtub, as this can provide further protection from electrical hazards. 

To ensure safety and proper installation, the best thing to do is call a licensed and insured electrician for a GFCI outlet installation. An electrician will know how to properly install your GFCI receptacle in accordance with the NEC, which requires GFCIs in this setting to be easily accessible for a person to reset/test the GFCI receptacle. The electrician will also know where to properly install the outlet for the washer and be able to wire it correctly.

Be sure to have qualified personnel handle the job so that you can be confident in its safety and reliability.

Note: Common mistakes to watch out for include using the wrong size or type of breakers, incorrect wiring diagrams, failing to follow local building codes, and not testing the GFCI receptacle after installation. 

Best Way to Connect the Washer: Dedicated Circuit or Combined with Appliances?

There is a risk of overloading the circuit if two appliances are plugged into the same GFCI receptacle. This is because the GFCI can only handle a certain amount of amperage before it trips and shuts off power to all connected devices. 

Therefore, it’s important that you check the amperage ratings for both appliances before attempting to connect them to the same GFCI receptacle. If both devices draw more amperage than the GFCI can handle, it’s best to provide each appliance with its own dedicated circuit. For instance, if you have a 20 Amp washer, then it should be protected by a 20 Amp GFCI breaker. 

This ensures that your washer has a consistent flow of power and won’t be overburdened by the demands of other household appliances. Additionally, it will help to extend the life of your washer and keep you and your family safe from potential electrical hazards.

What Type Of Cable Should Be Used To Connect The Washer?

Generator cable is the ideal type of cable for connecting a washer because it has been designed with an extra-durable rubber outer layer that can handle high levels of heat and humidity. It also provides superior protection against water damage, which is essential when dealing with wet appliances. 

If you’re having difficulty finding generator cables in your area, regular extension cords can also be used, but make sure that they are rated for the correct amperage and voltage to ensure your appliance is safely connected.

How Much Additional Cost Is Involved In Installing A Gfci Receptacle?

The cost of installing a GFCI receptacle will depend on the type of installation and your location, but typically it is more expensive than a single socket receptacle. The reason is that GFCI receptacles have additional safety features such as surge protection and ground fault circuit interrupter technology which provide an extra layer of protection in the event of a power surge or short circuit. 

Expect: The expense for exchanging a standard 120V outlet with a GFCI model typically ranges from $90 to $200.

Therefore, if your home has older wiring and you’re looking for the utmost safety, it’s best to invest in a GFCI receptacle for your washer connection.  The good news is that the investment may be worth it in the long run, as these devices can provide additional protection against potential electrical hazards.

Final Thought!

Upgrading your laundry room wiring requires careful consideration of AFCI and GFCI protection. By choosing the right configuration and adhering to NEC guidelines, you’ll create a safe and compliant electrical setup.

It is an effective way to ensure that your washer is protected from any electrical hazards. By following the tips outlined above, you can rest assured that your washer is connected safely and correctly. 

The safety and reliability of your laundry room are important considerations, so it is essential that you take the necessary steps to connect it properly.