Honestly, I get the frustration. Some of these new code updates feel like they’re just looking for reasons to make us swap stuff out. Here’s how I see it:
- GFCIs everywhere = less chance of someone getting zapped, especially with all the gadgets people use these days.
- It’s a pain to rip out perfectly good outlets, but liability is no joke if something goes wrong.
- Sometimes I wonder if inspectors even agree on what “code” means—seems like every town’s got their own twist.
Curious—has anyone actually had a failed inspection over GFCI placement, or is it usually just a “fix it before final” thing?
Sometimes I wonder if inspectors even agree on what “code” means—seems like every town’s got their own twist.
Had a project last year where the inspector flagged us for not having GFCIs in the laundry room—even though the plans were stamped and matched state code. Turns out, his “interpretation” was that every outlet in the basement should be GFCI, period. We swapped them out before final, no big deal, but it always feels like a moving target. Honestly, half the time it comes down to who’s holding the clipboard that day.
Yeah, that’s the part that drives me nuts—the “interpretation” factor. You can do everything by the book and still get dinged for something subjective. I’ve had inspectors contradict each other on the same job. It’s frustrating, but honestly, you handled it the best way—just swap them and move on. Sometimes it feels like you’re just guessing what’ll make the inspector happy that day...
Sometimes it feels like you’re just guessing what’ll make the inspector happy that day...
- 100% agree, it’s like playing code roulette.
- I’ve had one inspector flag a kitchen outlet for not being GFCI, then the next guy says it’s fine because it’s “not near water.” Same outlet, same codebook, different mood?
- Honestly, I keep a stash of GFCIs and regulars in the truck now. Swapping them out is faster than arguing.
- The “interpretation” part drives me nuts too. Would be nice if there was one universal answer, but here we are...
Honestly, this drives me up the wall every time I’m working on a remodel. You’d think there’d be a clear answer, but nope—depends on who’s holding the clipboard that day. I’ve had inspectors tell me a powder room outlet *must* be GFCI, then another one shrugs and says, “Not really necessary.” Same house, sometimes even the same week.
What gets me is how it messes with planning. I’ll spec out outlets to blend in with tile or cabinetry, only to have to swap in those chunky GFCI covers last minute because someone got picky. It’s not just about code—it’s about the whole look and function of the space. I get safety is important, but the inconsistency is just... exhausting. Half the time I’m just prepping for every scenario and hoping for the best.
Wouldn’t mind if they at least agreed on what “near water” actually means. Is it two feet? Six feet? Your guess is as good as mine.
