GFCI and AFCI protection requirements have expanded with nearly every NEC cycle, and they apply to different locations for different reasons. This tool maps a room or location and circuit voltage to the applicable 2023 NEC section so you can plan rough-in and verify panels before inspection.
How it works
The checker encodes two NEC rules. NEC 210.8(A) lists the dwelling locations where 125 V to 250 V receptacles up to 50 A require ground-fault protection: kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, basements, laundry areas, and within 6 ft of any sink. NEC 210.12(A) requires combination AFCI protection for all 120 V, 15 and 20 ampere branch circuits supplying outlets in dwelling living areas — bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, kitchens, laundry, and more.
Because AFCI only applies to 120 V 15/20 A circuits, selecting 240 V suppresses the AFCI requirement while leaving any applicable GFCI requirement in place.
Reading the result
Each location returns the governing section number for GFCI and AFCI, a required/not-required verdict, and a note covering the key exception. Where both are required — kitchens, basements, laundry — a dual-function device satisfies both in one breaker or receptacle.
Location-by-location quick reference (2023 NEC, dwelling units)
| Location | GFCI (210.8) | AFCI (210.12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Required | Required | All receptacles |
| Kitchen countertops | Required | Required | Within 6 ft of sink always GFCI |
| Bedroom | Not typically | Required | GFCI only within 6 ft of a sink |
| Living room / den | Not typically | Required | 120 V 15/20 A circuits |
| Garage | Required | Required | All receptacles |
| Unfinished basement | Required | Required | All receptacles |
| Finished basement | Required | Required | |
| Laundry area | Required | Required | |
| Outdoors | Required | Not typically | GFCI covers exterior receptacles |
| Hallways / stairways | Not typically | Required | 120 V circuits |
| Crawl spaces | Required | Not typically | At or below grade |
| Boat dock / shoreline | Required | Not typically | Within 6 ft of water |
“Not typically” means no general requirement under the cited section; other conditions may still require protection for a specific installation.
Dual-function devices explained
Where both GFCI and AFCI are required — kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry — code compliance formerly required a GFCI receptacle or breaker and an AFCI breaker in the panel. The introduction of dual-function (DF) circuit breakers and receptacles lets a single device satisfy both requirements with one installation. A DF breaker in the panel protects the entire circuit for both arc faults and ground faults, replacing the separate devices. This simplifies panel space and wiring while meeting the 2023 NEC.
Common inspection failures
Skipping AFCI in a remodel. Many contractors assume AFCI only applies to new construction. The 2023 NEC extends AFCI requirements to receptacle outlets added or replaced in existing locations that are part of the covered dwelling areas. Depending on AHJ interpretation, a kitchen remodel that adds receptacles may require AFCI on those circuits even if the panel was installed before the requirement existed.
Forgetting outdoor above-grade receptacles. Any 125 V to 250 V receptacle installed outdoors on a dwelling requires GFCI under 210.8(A)(3), regardless of the circuit voltage or distance from the building.
Confusing the 2020 vs. 2023 NEC scope. The 2023 NEC expanded AFCI coverage in some areas (kitchens, laundry) that were not covered in earlier editions. Always confirm the code cycle your AHJ has adopted.
Example and notes
A kitchen countertop circuit at 120 V needs GFCI under 210.8(A)(6) and AFCI under 210.12(A), so a dual-function breaker is the clean solution. A 240 V range receptacle in the same kitchen does not need AFCI but still needs GFCI if it is a 125/250 V receptacle covered by 210.8. Always confirm the code cycle adopted by your AHJ, as local amendments can add or remove specific requirements.