• 210.8(F) Outdoor Outlets 

Dwelling unit outdoor outlets, other than those that are supplying electric snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment, that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts to ground or less and that are 50 amperes or less are required to be GFCI protected. In addition to dwelling unit outdoor outlets, the outdoor outlets on garages that have floors located at or below grade level, accessory buildings, and boathouses are also included in this requirement. If equipment that is being supplied by an outlet falling under the requirement of 210.8(F) is replaced, the outlet must be provided with GFCI protection. 

The introduction of this section was a part of NEC 2020. An effective date was included as part of the passing of TIA 20-13 for some specific equipment that may pose a challenge about compatibility with GFCIs. The exception, which is written in positive text language within 210.8(F), excludes GFCI protection from those circuits supplying mini-split-type heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and other HVAC units that employ power conversion equipment to control compressor speed. GFCI protection is required for this equipment as of January 1, 2023.  

The 2023 edition of the NEC expanded the requirements of this section beyond just dwelling unit outdoor outlets to also include garages that have floors located at or below grade level, accessory buildings and boathouses.  In addition, those older locations where GFCI protection was not required, that have equipment being replaced must be provided with GFCI protection in accordance with this section.

There is an exception for listed HVAC equipment as this equipment has been identified as using the equipment grounding conductor for current return which causes a compatibility issue with GFCI protection.

The additional locations present the same shock hazard that outdoor outlets of dwelling units present. The additional requirement for when equipment is replaced addresses bringing existing installations up to date and providing shock protection. 

During the 2023 Code cycle, this section was expanded beyond all outdoor outlets rated 125–250 V for dwelling units to include all outdoor outlets installed in the following locations: 

• Garages that have floors located at or below grade level 

• Accessory buildings 

• Boathouses