A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) cuts power in milliseconds when it senses current leaking to ground — the scenario that turns a wet-hand-on-an-appliance moment into a fatal shock. Because water is the danger, the Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires GFCI protection in every location where outlets and water can meet.
Where GFCI protection is required
Under current Ontario code, GFCI protection is required for receptacles in these locations:
- **Bathrooms** — all receptacles. - **Kitchens** — receptacles serving the counter area, and any within 1.5 m of the sink. - **Within 1.5 m of any sink** — including wet bars, laundry, and utility sinks. - **Outdoors** — all exterior receptacles. - **Garages and accessory buildings.** - **Unfinished basements and crawl spaces.** - **Pools, hot tubs, and spas** — with specific, stricter rules for pool and spa wiring.
The protection can be delivered by a GFCI outlet or a GFCI breaker — both satisfy the code.
New work versus existing homes
These requirements apply to new construction and to renovations: the moment you add a circuit, finish a basement, or remodel a kitchen or bathroom, that work must meet current GFCI rules. Existing wiring in an older home is generally grandfathered — but "legal" isn't the same as "safe." Many GTA homes built before GFCIs were common have bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets with no ground-fault protection at all.
Adding it is one of the highest-value safety upgrades available: a GFCI outlet is inexpensive, the labour is modest, and it directly protects against the most common cause of household electrocution. We routinely add GFCI protection during a panel or wiring service call or as a standalone safety visit.
GFCI versus AFCI — they're not the same
People mix these up. A **GFCI** protects people from shock by detecting current leaking to ground. An **AFCI** (arc-fault circuit interrupter) protects property from fire by detecting the erratic signature of an arcing connection. Current code requires AFCI protection on many living-area circuits (bedrooms and similar) and GFCI in wet areas — and dual-function breakers that do both are now common. If your home is older, it likely has neither, which is worth raising at your next electrical inspection.
Getting it done
If you're not sure which of your outlets are protected, there's a quick test: press the TEST button on each GFCI and confirm the right outlets lose power, or use an inexpensive outlet tester. For a thorough answer — including which outlets are wired downstream of a single GFCI and whether your wet areas are fully covered — an electrician can map and verify it in one visit. City Power adds and tests GFCI protection across the GTA; call 416-837-4038 or book a safety check.