Electrical Code Compliance Resources

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is required in areas where water may be present. In Fairfax County, GFCI protection is required for receptacles in the following locations:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens (receptacles serving countertops)
• Outdoor areas
• Crawl spaces and unfinished basements
• Garages and accessory buildings
• Receptacles within 6 feet of laundry, utility, and wet bar sinks
• Boathouses

AFCI requirements vary by jurisdiction and enforcement practices. Contact local authorities for specific requirements.

Receptacles must be placed to ensure that no point along the floor line of any wall space is more than 6 feet from a receptacle. Additional requirements include:

• Receptacles must be installed in any wall space 2 feet or wider
• Kitchen countertops: Receptacles must be placed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches from a receptacle
• Island and peninsula countertops: At least one receptacle is required if the space is 12 inches × 24 inches or larger
• Bathroom: At least one receptacle must be installed within 3 feet of the outside edge of each basin
• Outdoor: At least one receptacle must be installed at the front and back of the dwelling

Electrical panels must meet specific placement and clearance requirements:

• Working space: Minimum 30 inches wide × 36 inches deep × 78 inches high clear space in front of the panel
• Panel height: The center of the grip of the highest overcurrent device cannot be more than 6 feet 7 inches above the floor
• Prohibited locations: Panels cannot be installed in bathrooms, clothes closets, or where subject to physical damage
• Dedicated space: No pipes or ducts can be installed above the panel
• Lighting: Sufficient lighting must be provided at the panel location

The code specifies minimum lighting requirements for residential dwellings:

• At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet in every habitable room, bathroom, hallway, stairway, attached garage, and outdoor entrance
• Bathrooms: At least one lighting fixture must be installed
• Stairways: At least one light fixture controlled by switches at each floor level for stairways with six or more steps
• Storage/utility spaces: At least one lighting outlet must be installed in attics, under-floor spaces, and utility spaces used for equipment requiring servicing
• Energy efficiency: Lighting efficiency requirements may vary and should be checked with the current energy code