Final answer:
Any receptacle within 6 feet of the edge of a sink must have GFCI protection to prevent electrical shock, particularly in areas with moisture.
Step-by-step explanation:
For safety in areas where water is present, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection is essential. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that any receptacle within 6 feet from the edge of a sink must be GFCI protected. This is to protect against electrical shock hazards that can occur when moisture is present. GFCIs work by detecting differences in current between the live/hot and neutral wires and will trip if a leakage current greater than 5 mA is detected, signifying a potential hazard. According to electrical safety regulations, any receptacle within six feet of the edge of a sink needs to be GFCI protected. This is to ensure that in wet locations such as kitchens and bathrooms, the risk of electrical shock is minimized. GFCI outlets are designed to quickly detect any imbalance in electrical current and shut off the power to prevent shocks.