In industrial laboratories, receptacles within 6 ft of a sink that supply equipment where removal of power would create a greater hazard are exempt from GFCI protection if they are which ratings?

• A. Single-phase 150V to ground or less, 50A or less
• B. Three-phase 150V to ground or less, 100A or less
• C. Both A and B
• D. Neither A nor B

Answer: (C)

GFCI protection is normally required to reduce shock risk, especially near sinks, but the NEC provides an exemption for receptacles used with equipment where losing power would create a greater hazard. For receptacles within 6 feet of a sink, if the supply is low-voltage and within specific current limits, they don’t need GFCI protection.

The exemption applies when the receptacle is rated 150 volts to ground or less, and the current rating fits either of two categories: single-phase up to 50 amperes, or three-phase up to 100 amperes. This means both single-phase 150V-to-ground or less at 50A or less and three-phase 150V-to-ground or less at 100A or less qualify for the exemption, provided the distance from the sink is within 6 feet. Consequently, receptacles meeting either condition are exempt, which is why the correct answer reflects both options. If a receptacle doesn’t meet these ratings, GFCI protection would still be required.