ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

Bathroom receptacles of 125 volt, single phase, rated at 15 and 20 amperes shall have ___________________ protection for personnel.

1. surge protection

2. ground fault circuit interrupter

3. overcurrent protection

4. voltage regulation

The correct answer is: ground fault circuit interrupter

Bathroom receptacles of 125 volt, single phase, rated at 15 and 20 amperes require ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel due to the heightened risk of electric shock in wet and damp environments. GFCIs are specifically designed to monitor the current flowing through the circuit and will quickly disconnect power when they detect an imbalance, which could indicate that electricity is flowing through a person who may be in contact with water. This safety measure is critical in bathroom settings because of the proximity to water sources such as sinks and showers, where the likelihood of electric shock is significantly increased. The inclusion of GFCI protection not only complies with code requirements, but more importantly, it provides essential safety for users by minimizing the risk of injury. Other types of protection mentioned, such as surge protection, overcurrent protection, and voltage regulation, do not directly address the electric shock hazard associated with the use of electrical devices in wet areas. Surge protection helps prevent equipment damage from voltage spikes, overcurrent protection safeguards against circuit overloads, and voltage regulation maintains stable voltage levels, but none of these prevent personal injury in conditions where water and electricity may come into contact.