Laundry GFCI Requirements

NEC Quick Answer

NEC 2023 requires GFCI protection for all 125V through 250V laundry area receptacles per 210.8(A)(10). At least one dedicated 20A branch circuit is required for laundry receptacles per 210.11(C)(2). Both the washer receptacle and dryer receptacle now require GFCI protection under the 2023 expansion.

NEC 2023: 210.8(A)(10), 210.11(C)(2)

All laundry area receptacles require GFCI per 210.8(A)(10). AFCI required per 210.12(A). At least one dedicated 20A circuit required per 210.11(C)(2).
GFCIRequired
AFCIRequired
Changed2020
NEC Section210.8(A)(10)

Laundry Requirements (NEC 2023)

All laundry area receptacles require GFCI including the washing machine receptacle and 240V dryer receptacle.
210.8(A)(10)Expanded 2020
AFCI protection required for laundry circuits.
210.12(A)Since 2017
At least one dedicated 20A circuit for the laundry area. No other outlets permitted on this circuit.
210.11(C)(2)Since 2017
Common inspection failure: Both the 120V washing machine receptacle and the 240V dryer receptacle require GFCI under NEC 2023. The dryer GFCI requirement is frequently missed because it was not required before the 2020 voltage expansion. Use a 2-pole 30A GFCI breaker for the dryer circuit.

Field Notes: Laundry GFCI

Laundry GFCI is a 2020 NEC addition (expanded in 2023) and is the most complained-about GFCI requirement among electricians and homeowners.

The washing machine problem: Many front-load washers have electronic lid locks with DC actuators. When the lock engages, it can create a small current path through the frame to ground that trips GFCI. This is a known issue with several major brands.

What works: Dual-function breakers resolve most washing machine GFCI trips. The combination of GFCI sensing with AFCI filtering handles the DC component better than a standalone GFCI receptacle. If a DF breaker still trips, the washer may have a genuine ground fault (degraded insulation on the heating element or pump motor) that warrants service.

Dryer note: Electric dryers on 240V/30A circuits did not require GFCI under 2020 code (laundry GFCI was limited to 120V). Under 2023, the voltage expansion to 250V means the dryer circuit may now require GFCI depending on your jurisdiction's adopted code year.

How Laundry GFCI Changed

NEC 2005
Receptacles within 6 ft of laundry sinks require GFCI (210.8(A)(7))
NEC 2017
AFCI added for laundry circuits per 210.12(A)
NEC 2020
ALL laundry area receptacles require GFCI regardless of sink proximity (210.8(A)(11))
Expanded to 150V-to-ground, covering 240V dryer receptacles

What electricians see in the field

Laundry GFCI was added in NEC 2020 at 210.8(A)(11). In 2020, it covered 125V through 250V receptacles (single-phase, 150V to ground, 50A or less). The scope hasn't changed in 2023, but the 210.8(D) appliance list expansion means the washer itself now explicitly requires GFCI regardless of the laundry area requirement.

For existing homes, laundry GFCI applies when new circuits are installed or existing circuits are modified under a permit. Simply replacing a washer does not trigger the GFCI requirement in most jurisdictions. But replacing the panel or the laundry circuit breaker might, depending on the AHJ.

The required laundry circuit per 210.11(C)(2) is at least one 20A branch circuit for the laundry area. This circuit must not serve other areas.

Laundry wiring details

Laundry GFCI evolved in two stages: NEC 2005 added GFCI for receptacles within 6 feet of laundry sinks. NEC 2020 expanded this to ALL laundry area receptacles regardless of sink proximity, including the 240V dryer receptacle. The washing machine and dryer both require GFCI under current code.

Common mistake: Installing a GFCI receptacle (instead of a DF breaker) on the laundry circuit, then getting callbacks when the washer trips it. DF breakers are the recommended solution for laundry circuits. Also: forgetting that the gas dryer receptacle (120V for the igniter and controls) also requires GFCI even though the dryer itself runs on gas.

How to add GFCI and AFCI protection

Because laundry circuits require both GFCI and AFCI, the simplest approach is a dual-function AFCI/GFCI breaker at the panel. This single device satisfies both code requirements and protects every outlet on the circuit. Dual-function breakers cost $35-50 and eliminate the need for individual GFCI receptacles. For existing circuits, swapping the standard breaker for a dual-function breaker is typically a 10-minute job.

GFCI devices should be tested monthly using the built-in test/reset buttons. Replace any GFCI device that fails to trip when tested or that is more than 15 years old. Modern GFCI breakers are self-testing and will indicate end-of-life when they can no longer protect.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need GFCI outlets in my laundry?

Yes. NEC 2023 Section 210.8(A)(10) requires GFCI and AFCI protection for laundry receptacles. This applies to all new construction and renovations where circuits are modified. Existing receptacles in older homes are not required to be upgraded unless the circuit is altered, but adding GFCI protection is strongly recommended for safety.

What NEC code section covers laundry GFCI requirements?

NEC 2023 Section 210.8(A)(10) covers GFCI requirements for laundry receptacles. The 2023 edition expanded coverage to include 250V receptacles in addition to 125V. See the code timeline above for how requirements have changed across NEC editions.

Does a washing machine outlet need GFCI?

Yes under NEC 2023. Section 210.8(A)(10) requires GFCI protection for laundry area receptacles. The dedicated 20A laundry circuit required by 210.11(C)(2) must have GFCI protection. Electric dryer circuits (typically 10 AWG 30A 240V) also now require GFCI.

Does an electric dryer need GFCI?

Yes under NEC 2023. Electric dryer circuits (typically 30A/240V using 10 AWG copper) now require GFCI protection per 210.8(A)(10). Use a 2-pole 30A GFCI breaker. See the dryer wiring guide for the complete bill of materials.

What happens if I don't have GFCI in my laundry?

Without GFCI protection, there is a risk of electrical shock, especially in areas near water. From a code compliance standpoint, new installations and renovations will fail electrical inspection without required GFCI protection. Insurance claims may also be affected if an incident occurs in an area where GFCI was required but not installed. Retrofitting GFCI is straightforward. A GFCI breaker in the panel protects the entire circuit without replacing individual receptacles.

GFCI products for laundry circuits

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Requirements vary by state. NEC edition, licensing, permits, and GFCI rules differ by jurisdiction. Check your state or pick it below for personalized info across WireRef.
Important: For reference only. Not a substitute for a licensed electrician. Electrical work can cause serious injury, death, fire, or property damage if performed incorrectly. Always hire a licensed electrician for electrical work, especially for service upgrades, panel work, and 240V circuits. Values are derived from NFPA 70 (NEC) for educational purposes. Always verify against your locally adopted NEC edition and amendments - local jurisdictions may enforce stricter requirements. WireRef provides reference information only and is not responsible for work performed based on this content. NEC® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association. Free NEC access via NFPA · OSHA Electrical Safety · Terms of use.

NEC 2023 references verified April 2026

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