Electrical Code Calculations Level I Practice Test 2026 - Free Electrical Code Practice Questions and Study Guide

In a bathroom, GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is mandated for electrical outlets due to the high risk of electric shock posed by the combination of moisture and electrical devices. Bathrooms typically have sources of water, such as sinks and showers, which increase the likelihood of water coming into contact with electrical devices or outlets.

GFCI devices are specifically designed to provide protection against ground faults by quickly disconnecting power when there is an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming electrical currents. This rapid response helps prevent electrical shock that could occur if someone were to come into contact with water and an energized circuit.

While standard circuit breakers offer protection from overloads and short circuits, they do not provide the necessary protection against ground faults. Fused protection, on the other hand, is less common in modern installations, especially in residential settings, and is not specifically required for bathroom receptacles. RCDs serve a similar purpose to GFCIs but are more commonly used in some regions and specific applications, rather than being a standard requirement in residential bathrooms in line with the National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations. Thus, GFCI protection is the correct choice for safeguarding outlets in bathrooms.