What GFCI outlet requirements apply to bathrooms and kitchens under New Brunswick electrical code?

Under the Canadian Electrical Code as enforced by TSANB in New Brunswick, all outlets within 1.5 metres of a sink must be GFCI protected — this applies to every bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room in your home. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets detect dangerous current leaks as small as 5 milliamps and shut off power in a fraction of a second, preventing electrocution.

Bathroom requirements are the most comprehensive. Every outlet in a bathroom must be GFCI protected, regardless of distance from the sink or tub. The CEC requires at least one outlet within 1 metre of each bathroom sink basin, and it must be on a dedicated 20 amp circuit that serves only bathroom outlets (not lighting). If you have a shared bathroom and ensuite, each needs its own GFCI-protected circuit. Outlets near the bathtub or shower must be at least 1 metre from the tub edge, and they must be GFCI protected.

Kitchen requirements are equally important. All countertop outlets must be GFCI protected. The CEC requires countertop outlets to be spaced so that no point along the countertop is more than 900mm from an outlet — which typically means outlets every 1.2 to 1.8 metres along the counter. Kitchen countertop circuits must be 20 amp split circuits (two circuits sharing a single cable), and they're dedicated to countertop use only — you can't put the refrigerator or dishwasher on a countertop circuit. The kitchen island also requires at least one outlet, and it must be GFCI protected.

Other areas requiring GFCI in New Brunswick homes include all outdoor outlets, garage outlets, unfinished basement outlets, laundry room outlets within 1.5 metres of the sink, and any outlet within 1.5 metres of a utility sink or wet bar. Essentially, anywhere water and electricity could meet, you need GFCI protection.

GFCI protection can be provided two ways. You can install GFCI outlets (the ones with the test and reset buttons) at each location, or you can install a GFCI breaker in your panel that protects the entire circuit. GFCI breakers are often more cost-effective when multiple outlets on one circuit all need protection. A GFCI outlet costs $15 to $25 for the device plus $75 to $150 for professional installation. A GFCI breaker costs $40 to $80 plus installation.

Testing matters. GFCI outlets should be tested monthly using the built-in test button. Press the test button — the power should shut off immediately. Press reset to restore power. If the test button doesn't trip the outlet, or if the outlet doesn't reset after tripping, the GFCI has failed and needs replacement. In New Brunswick's humid Maritime climate, GFCI devices can be more prone to nuisance tripping or premature failure, particularly in unheated garages and outdoor locations.

If you're renovating a bathroom or kitchen in your New Brunswick home, TSANB requires all electrical work to meet current code — which means upgrading to GFCI protection even if the original installation didn't have it. A licensed electrician can assess your existing outlets and bring them up to code during the renovation.

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