All receptacles rated 125V through 250V located within how many feet of a fountain edge must have GFCI protection?

Receptacles rated 125V through 250V that are located near water sources, such as fountains, pose a potential risk for electrical shock. To mitigate this risk, the National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates that GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is required for these receptacles within a specified distance from the edge of the fountain.

In this case, the NEC specifies that receptacles need GFCI protection if they are located within 20 feet of the fountain edge. This requirement ensures that any ground fault occurring close to the water is detected quickly, and the circuit is interrupted, thereby providing an additional layer of safety for individuals near the fountain. The 20-foot distance is deliberate, accommodating the reach of splashes and ensuring that any area where a person could potentially be in contact with water is protected.

Understanding the context of GFCI protection helps illustrate the importance of safety around water installations, as water increases the risk of electrical hazards. Hence, the correct distance for requiring GFCI protection in this scenario is indeed 20 feet.