Q: Do electrical receptacles serving a water cooler need to be a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) type? In addition to that, the surveyors also cited us for not having a GFCI receptacle when it’s near a fish tank.

A: One may think it is a surveyor preference, or their own interpretation based on of the NFPA 70-2011 National Electrical Code. But in reality, it seems to be more than that. I checked NFPA 70-2011, Article 210.8(B) and it does say GFCI outlets are required in receptacles in kitchens, bathrooms, indoor wet locations, within 6-feet of a sink, garages, service bays, rooftops, and outdoors.

I guess the surveyor interprets a fish tank and a water cooler is an “indoor wet location,” which is well within their right to do so.