Yes, all 125-volt, single phase, 15- or 20-amp receptacles in a garage must be GFCI-protected, with only one esoteric exclusion that we will cover later. But it wasn’t always this way. Up until the 2008 edition of the NEC (National Electrical Code), there were two exceptions allowed for the GFCI requirement at garage receptacles:

1) Receptacles that were not readily accessible, such as a ceiling receptacle for a garage door opener.

2) A single receptacle that served one appliance or a duplex receptacle serving two appliances, which was on a dedicated circuit and “located within a dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved.” Typical examples were a water softener, sprinkler control panel, washing machine, freezer, or refrigerator.

    The 2008 NEC wiped out these exceptions, and now only exempts  “receptacles that are not readily accessible AND are supplied by a dedicated branch circuit for electric snow-melting or deicing equipment” that is permanently installed. 

    See our blog post How far apart should electric receptacle outlets be placed in a garage? for spacing requirements.

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about AFCI and GFCI RECEPTACLES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS:

• Does a septic pump or sump pump require a GFCI-receptacle?

• What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker?

• Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) really necessary and worth the trouble? 

• What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink?

• When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? 

• When did arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers first become required?

• Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection?

• What happens when you press the "TEST" button on a circuit breaker in an electric panel?

• What is the difference between the electric service to a mobile home and a site built home? 

• Why is there a wall switch next to the furnace or indoor unit of the air conditioner in the garage?

• What is a Dual Function Circuit Interrupter (DFCI)? 

• How I can tell if a receptacle outlet is tamper resistant?

• What is the difference between a Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (CAFCI) and an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) circuit breaker?  

• What is the difference between "grounded" and "grounding" electrical conductors? 

• What does it mean when a wire is "overstripped" at a circuit breaker?

• Why is there a GFCI breaker in the electric panel for the bathroom shower light and exhaust fan?

• What is the switch on the wall with two pushbuttons? 

• How far apart should kitchen counter receptacles be spaced?  

• My GFCI reset button is hard to push and won't reset. What's wrong?

• Why do some breakers in my electric panel have a "TEST" button on them?

    Visit our AFCI AND GFCI page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.