TOPIC: Garage Outlets

I did an inspection today on a house built in 2005.  The garage had one outlet that was GFCI.  Then they had a work bench area that had several outlets that were not hooked up to the GFCI.  I mentioned this and the seller said that is the way the house was built and that it passed city inspections.  If I am not mistaken GFCI's were required in garages since 1978.  I know many houses have one outlet not on GFCI's for refrigerators or freezers.  So my question is, how or where do I draw the line with the outlets not on GFCI's?  Do they have to be 20 amp outlets for them to not be required to be on GFCI's?

Can someone enlighten me please?

I guess I call them out if they're in a potentially wet area; garage, bath, kitchen, etc.  People do crazy things and kind of lose their minds when liquids and electricity are involved.  I'm not sure about the 20 Amp situation though.  Interested to hear other opinions.

All the dedicated outlets for fridges and freezers that I have seen were 20 amp outlets.  That's why I through that in the question. 

I called them out as needing to be on GFCI's.  By what I know (as of right now), all outlets in garages need to be on GFCI's since 1978 excluding the one dedicated outlet for fridges and freezers.

John, you are correct, they need to be protected. The easy way around that is not to say that it is required(not code inspectors). Just put it in there under potential safety hazards and make it an upgrade for personal safety. Who can argue with that? No one in their right mind.

Yeah I could go that rout.  But who wants easy?  LOL  Thanks for your help.

My estimate would be that what used to be a dedicated (single) receptacle for a fridge or freezer has now been modified or improperly utilized to accommodate multiple receptacles for a work bench.  This is improper and GFCI protection should be recommended. It is up to the client what they want to do with the information. All we can do is observe and report.