Building Code Glossary
Ground-fault Circuit-interrupter: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define ground-fault circuit-interrupter, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Ground-fault circuit-interrupter is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a current to ground exceeds the value for a Class A device.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Swimming Pools (IRC 2009), Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Appliance Installation (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Ground-fault Circuit-interrupter — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a current to ground exceeds the value for a Class A device.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Ground-fault Circuit-interrupter is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a current to ground exceeds the value for a Class A device.
Where ground-fault circuit-interrupter is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 40 |
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 12 |
| Appliance Installation | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about ground-fault circuit-interrupter, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
All 15- and 20-ampere, single phase, 125-volt receptacles located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of the inside walls of pools and outdoor spas and hot tubs shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit-interrupter.
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in bathrooms shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
Outdoor receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied from a dedicated branch circuit for electric snow-melting or deicing equipment shall be permitted to be installed without ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
The terms ground-fault circuit-interrupter is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what ground-fault circuit-interrupter covers:
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Ground-fault Circuit-interrupter: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Swimming Pools (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Appliance Installation (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Electrical Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Device: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Plenum: Building Code Definition
- Outlet: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of ground-fault circuit-interrupter?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a current to ground exceeds the value for a Class A device.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on ground-fault circuit-interrupter?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Swimming Pools in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
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