Home Inspection Electrical Practice Test

If a receptacle is installed between 5 and 10 feet from a pool, what device must it have?

1. Surge protector

2. GFCI

3. Breaker switch

4. Grounding rod

The correct answer is: GFCI

A receptacle installed between 5 and 10 feet from a pool must have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for safety reasons. GFCI devices are designed to protect people from electric shock, particularly in areas where water is present, such as near pools. These devices automatically cut off the electrical supply if they detect an imbalance in the electrical current, which could indicate that electricity is leaking through a person who has come in contact with water. In wet environments, the risk of electric shock significantly increases, making it essential to have GFCI protection in such locations. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI protection for receptacles installed in outdoor areas, especially those near pools, to enhance safety for users. This requirement is crucial to prevent electrical accidents, considering that water is an excellent conductor of electricity. While surge protectors, breaker switches, and grounding rods have their own important roles in electrical safety and function, they do not provide the same level of direct protection against electric shock that a GFCI does in a wet environment.