Where should GFCIs be used?

	The NEC mandates GFCIs for 110V, 15A or 20A single phase
	outlets, in bathrooms, kitchen counters within 6' of the sink, wet-bar
	sinks, roof outlets, garages, unfinished basements or crawl spaces,
	outdoors, near a pool, or just about anywhere else where you're likely
	to encounter water or dampness.  There are exceptions for inaccessible
	outlets, those dedicated to appliances ``occupying fixed space'',
	typically refrigerators and freezers, and for sump pumps and
	laundry appliances.

	The NEC now requires that if your replace an outlet in a
	location now requiring GFCI, you must install GFCI protection.
	Note in particular - kitchen and bathroom outlets.

	When using the "fixed appliance" rule for avoiding GFCI outlets,
	single outlet receptacles must be used for single appliances,
	duplex receptacles may be used for two appliances.

	The CEC does not mandate as many GFCIs.  In particular, there
	is no requirement to protect kitchen outlets, or most garage or
	basement outlets.  Basement outlets must be protected if you
	have a dirt floor, garage outlets if they're near the door to
	outside.  Bathrooms and most exterior outlets must have GFCIs,
	as do pools systems and jacuzzi or whirlpool pumps.

	There are many rules about GFCIs with pools and so on.  This
	is outside of our expertise, so we're not covering it in
	detail.  See your inspector.

	When replacing an outlet, it must now be GFCI-protected if
	such would now be required for a new installation.  That is,
	a kitchen outlet installed per the 1984 code need not have
	been protected, but if that outlet is ever replaced, GFCI
	protection must now be added (under NEC).  This is explicit
	in the 1993 NEC, and inspector-imposed in Canada.

	Even if you are not required to have GFCI protection, you may
	want to consider installing it anyway.  Unless you need a GFCI
	breaker (see below), the cost is low.  In the U.S., GFCI
	outlets can cost as little as US$8.  (Costs are a bit higher in
	Canada:  C$12.)  Evaluate your own risk factors.  Does your
	finished basement ever get wet?  Do you have small children?
	Do you use your garage outlets to power outdoor tools?  Does
	water or melted snow ever puddle inside your garage?