Change Summary

• GFCI protection for lighting outlets in crawl spaces has been added.

Expert Analysis

A new requirement was added at 210.8(E) establishing GFCI protection for lighting outlets not exceeding 120-volts installed in crawl spaces where that space is located at or below grade level. This new GFCI requirement for lighting outlets was justified due to the fatality of a worker in a crawl space. The incandescent light bulb of a keyless lampholder was accidently broken, and the worker was electrocuted upon unintentional contact with the live, exposed parts of the broken light bulb. The number of open-bulb keyless or pull chain lampholders installed in crawl spaces is countless, and they are frequently damaged in this same manner.

Since this new GFCI requirement for crawl space lighting outlets is located at 210.8(E), it will apply to all crawl spaces, dwelling unit and non-dwelling units alike.