All 125-volt receptacle outlets in “dirt confinement areas for livestock” (such as barns) must have GFCI-protection, according to the National Electrical Code [NEC 547.5(G)]. But there is one exception allowed: "GFCI protection shall not be required for an accessible receptacle supplying a dedicated load where a GFCI protected receptacle is located within 900 mm (3 ft) of the non-GFCI-protected receptacle." So a single outlet receptacle (not a duplex) on a dedicated circuit which is plugged into, and specifically for, an installed appliance in a barn does not need GFCI-protection if there is another receptacle that is GFCI-protected nearby within 3-feet.

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Here’s links to some of our other blog posts about GFCI RECEPTACLES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS:

• 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 electrical hazards does a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) NOT protect against?  

• What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers? 

• Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required?

• When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required?

• 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 bathroom electric receptacle/outlet is dead and there are no tripped breakers in the electric panel. What's wrong?  

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

    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.