ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

What type of outlet is required in a bathroom according to branch circuit regulations?

1. GFCI outlet

2. Standard outlet

3. Twisted outlet

4. Combination outlet

The correct answer is: GFCI outlet

In a bathroom, the regulations necessitate the installation of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. This requirement is firmly grounded in safety considerations, as bathrooms are high-risk areas due to the presence of water, which can create potential electrical hazards. GFCI outlets are specifically designed to protect individuals from electric shock by monitoring the flow of electricity and shutting off the circuit if an imbalance is detected, such as when electricity is leaking through a person to the ground. This capability makes GFCI outlets particularly advantageous in environments like bathrooms, where moisture is prevalent. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates the installation of GFCI protection for all outlets in bathrooms located within certain distances of sinks and bathtubs. In contrast, the other outlet types mentioned do not provide the same level of protection against ground faults. Standard outlets lack the necessary safety features, twisted outlets refer to a type of plug configuration and do not inherently offer any safety benefits, while combination outlets do not specifically indicate GFCI functionality. Therefore, the requirement for GFCI outlets in bathrooms is a critical aspect of electrical safety standards.