GFCI for outdoor outlets at homes, including A/C units

What the code requires

For dwellings, all outdoor outlets, not just receptacles, need GFCI protection when supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 V or less to ground and 50 A or less. Receptacles for snow-melting or pipe-heating equipment covered by 210.8(A) Exception 1 are excluded.

The rule specifically includes outlets in garages with floors at or below grade, accessory buildings and boathouses. If equipment supplied by a covered outlet is replaced, the outlet must be given GFCI protection at that time.

Lighting outlets are exempt, other than crawl-space lighting covered by 210.8(C). Listed HVAC equipment was also exempt, under an exception added by TIA 23-3, issued August 12, 2022, before the 2023 edition was printed. That exception expired September 1, 2026.

A proposed TIA (Log 1924) to extend the HVAC exception to September 1, 2028 failed on a 10–10 vote of the code-making panel. ACCA and AHRI have appealed to the NFPA Standards Council. As of October 8, 2026, the requirement applies while the appeals are pending. Confirm the current status with your building department.

On the job

• Since September 1, 2026, a new outdoor A/C condenser or heat pump at a home needs a GFCI-protected circuit under the printed 2023 text.
• Replacing a condenser or heat pump also triggers GFCI protection for the outlet that supplies it, even when the existing circuit is old, because the rule covers replaced equipment.
• The HVAC industry has raised nuisance-tripping concerns with some equipment on GFCI protection, which is the subject of the pending appeals.
• No California amendment to this rule was found among the 2025 California Electrical Code amendments reviewed for this page, so the printed September 1, 2026 sunset appears to apply as written. Check with your building department before relying on any later NFPA action.

Exceptions that matter

• Lighting outlets, other than crawl-space lighting outlets covered by 210.8(C).
• Listed HVAC equipment was exempt only until September 1, 2026. A proposed extension was rejected and is under appeal, so confirm the current status with your building department.

What changed in 2023

The 2023 edition added the garage, accessory building and boathouse list, added the rule that replacing equipment supplied by a covered outlet triggers GFCI protection for that outlet, dropped the 2020 delayed effective date for HVAC equipment with power conversion equipment, and added the temporary exception for listed HVAC equipment that expired September 1, 2026.

Related sections

• NEC 210.8(A): GFCI protection in homes
• NEC 210.8(C)
• NEC 210.63: Service receptacle for HVAC and electrical equipment

Where this comes from

• NFPA: TIA 23-3 to NFPA 70-2023, 210.8(F) (issued Aug 12 2022)
• EC&M: TIA Proposed To Extend Expiration Date of Sec. 210.8(F) Exception No. 2 (Aug 19 2026)
• ACCA: ACCA appeals NFPA ruling on GFCI nuisance tripping (Sept 25 2026)
• Contracting Business: ACCA, AHRI Appeal NFPA Ruling on HVAC GFCI Requirements (Sept 28 2026)
• Read the official NEC free at NFPA