Where do 2024 CEC vs 2023 NEC AFCI/GFCI requirements diverge most for kitchens, basements, and outdoor circuits?

Where do 2024 CEC vs 2023 NEC AFCI/GFCI requirements diverge most for kitchens, basements, and outdoor circuits?

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To keep your GFCI outlets from tripping all the time, make sure you have the right size circuits with good wiring, grounding, and the correct breaker.

The 2024 CEC (California Electrical Code) and 2023 NEC (National Electrical Code) have some differences in AFCI/GFCI requirements for kitchens, basements, and outdoor circuits. Since the 2024 CEC isn’t directly provided

Well, so much I need to learn. lol :joy: :laughing:

Kitchens: CEC requires AFCI on most 15–20 A receptacles, while NEC focuses on GFCI for all outlets near sinks and countertops.

Basements: CEC prioritizes AFCI, NEC requires GFCI for all receptacles, finished or not.

Outdoor circuits: Both codes mandate GFCI protection.

In short, CEC targets fire prevention (AFCI), NEC targets shock prevention (GFCI).

CEC 2024 keeps AFCI mainly in bedrooms/living areas, with GFCI in wet zones; NEC 2023 extends both AFCI + GFCI to more kitchen, basement, and outdoor circuits, covering nearly all 125–250 V receptacles.

CEC skips kitchen/basement AFCI; NEC 2023 adds AFCI to kitchens, GFCI to all kitchen, basement, and outdoor receptacles.

Kitchens:

  • 2023 NEC:

    The 2023 NEC mandates GFCI protection for all 125V-250V receptacles in kitchens, regardless of their location or proximity to sinks or countertop This includes receptacles for refrigerators, disposals, and microwaves.

  • 2024 CEC; The 2024 CEC likely maintains the core principles of the NEC regarding kitchen GFCI requirements, emphasizing protection for receptacles near sinks and water sources.

  • However, the specific wording and application might differ, potentially focusing on risk assessment and the likelihood of contact with water.

Basements:

  • 2023 NEC: GFCI protection is required for all receptacles in unfinished basements.

  • 2024 CEC: The CEC likely follows similar principles, requiring GFCI protection in damp or potentially wet areas like basements to mitigate shock hazards.

Outdoors:

  • 2023 NEC:

    The 2023 NEC requires GFCI protection for all outdoor receptacles rated 150V or less and 50 amps or less.

  • 2024 CEC:

    The CEC likely has a more nuanced approach to outdoor receptacle protection, considering the specific risks of each location and type of receptacle (e.g., receptacles for snow melting, deicing, or pipeline heating equipment might have specific exceptions)

CEC 2024 keeps AFCI mainly in bedrooms/living areas, with GFCI in wet zones; NEC 2023 extends both AFCI + GFCI to more kitchen, basement, and outdoor circuits, covering nearly all 125–250 V receptacles.