Upgrading kitchen outlets

Dear Scott,

We just had our house inspected and the inspector called out “Recommend upgrading kitchen outlets to GFCI protected outlets”. My house is 1952; do I have to do this?

Thanks,

Kathy

Dear Kathy

The answer has a few bends to it. First when your house was built Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) was not invented yet so the house is what we call grandfathered in. Kitchen GFCI’s were required by National Electric code (NEC) in 1987. The caveat here is if you upgrade your kitchen, and based on what you do you may need to upgrade to GFCI protection at that time. There are some different requirements by some municipalities as to when GFCI is required. Mostly if you open a wall in the kitchen the entire wall must be brought up to current code at that time. Most do –it- your selfers don’t realize this. Even if you add an island to your kitchen, if the island is attached to the floor it requires an outlet and if it is within 6 feet of the sink it must be GFCI protected. Also most municipalities dictate that if you upgrade one outlet with a GFCI that the balance must follow if they are within 6 feet of water.

The second answer depends on your contract with the buyer. After the inspection there is often an amendment asking for repairs and sometimes upgrades. This is all negotiable and “recommending and upgrade” may not be considered a defect and may not have to be done. I would discuss this further with your listing agent and let him help you with what needs to be done to complete the sale.