WAC 296-46B-210. Branch circuits not over 1,000 volts ac, 1,500 volts dc nominal

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Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 › Chapter 296-46B › Section 296-46B-210

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

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008(A) Dwelling units GFCI requirements.

(1) In a garage or unfinished basement, a red receptacle, with a red cover plate, supplying a fire alarm system is not required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection. The receptacle must be identified for use only with the fire alarm system by an identification plate or engraved cover with letters at least 1/4 inch high.

(2) All fixed electrical equipment with exposed grounded metal parts within an enclosed shower area or within five feet of the top inside edge of a bathtub must have ground fault circuit interrupter protection.

008(B) Other than dwelling units - GFCI requirements.

(3) GFCI requirements. GFCI protection for personnel will not be required for:

(a) Three-phase receptacles unless specifically required elsewhere in the NEC; or

(b) Receptacles other than 125-volt, single phase, 15- or 20-ampere used for: Recreational vehicle supply equipment or for attachment of a mobile home supply cord.

For the purposes of NEC 210.8(B), kitchen means any area where utensils, dishes, etc., are cleaned or where food or beverages are prepared or cooked.

011 Branch circuits.

(4) A raceway system or one dedicated 15-ampere minimum, 120 volt circuit must be taken to all unfinished space areas adaptable to future dwelling unit living areas that are not readily accessible to the service or branch circuit panelboard. One circuit or raceway is required for each 480 square feet or less of unfinished space area. If the total adjacent unfinished space area is less than 480 square feet, the circuit can be an extension of an existing circuit. The circuits must terminate in a suitable box(es). The box must contain an identification of the intended purpose of the circuit(s). The branch circuit panelboard must have adequate space and capacity for the intended load(s).

013 Ground fault protection of equipment.

. If the total adjacent unfinished space area is less than 480 square feet, the circuit can be an extension of an existing circuit. The circuits must terminate in a suitable box(es). The box must contain an identification of the intended purpose of the circuit(s). The branch circuit panelboard must have adequate space and capacity for the intended load(s).

013 Ground fault protection of equipment.

(5) Equipment ground fault protection systems required by the NEC must be tested prior to being placed into service to verify proper installation and operation of the system as determined by the manufacturer's published instructions. A firm having qualified personnel and proper equipment must perform the tests required. A copy of the manufacturer's performance testing instructions and a written performance acceptance test record signed by the person performing the test must be available at the time of inspection. The performance acceptance test record must include test details including, but not limited to, all trip settings and measurements taken during the test.

025 Common area branch circuits.

(6) For the purpose of NEC 210.25, loads for septic or water well systems that are shared by no more than two dwelling units may be supplied from either of the two dwelling units if approved by the local building official and local health department.

052 (A)(2) Dwelling unit receptacle outlets.

(7) For the purpose of NEC 210.52 (A)(2)(1), "similar openings" include the following configurations that are a permanent part of the dwelling configuration or finish:

(a) Window seating; and

ed by no more than two dwelling units may be supplied from either of the two dwelling units if approved by the local building official and local health department.

052 (A)(2) Dwelling unit receptacle outlets.

(7) For the purpose of NEC 210.52 (A)(2)(1), "similar openings" include the following configurations that are a permanent part of the dwelling configuration or finish:

(a) Window seating; and

(b) Bookcases or cabinets that extend from the floor to a level at least five feet six inches above the floor.

Any outlets eliminated by such window seating, bookcases, or cabinets must be installed elsewhere within the room.

052 (C)(2) Island and peninsular countertop and work surfaces.

(8) If receptacle outlets are not installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, no future provisions to do so are required.

063 Equipment requiring servicing.

(9) For the purposes of NEC 210.63, when equipment requiring servicing is located outdoors, accessible locations for receptacle outlets do not include locations accessed through doors or windows.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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WAC 296-46B-210. Branch circuits not over 1,000 volts ac, 1,500 volts dc nominal · WAC 296-46B-210 | Frix