Helping Prevent Electrical Incidents With Standards for GFCI Outlets

Tripped Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlet

Since the 1970s, the National Electric Code (NEC) has required ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for all outdoor outlets, as well as those installed in bathrooms and kitchen countertops, and within six feet of any bathtub, sink, or shower. Our standard, UL 943, the Standard for Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters, includes requirements for the function, construction, performance, and markings of Class A GFCI devices, which are common in households. Our requirements help to ensure that the GFCI devices trip quickly during the occurrence of a ground-fault, helping prevent an electrical incident.