Under what circumstances are 125-volt, 20-ampere receptacles for kitchen countertops required to have GFCI protection?

125-volt, 20-ampere receptacles for kitchen countertops are required to have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection under all circumstances because kitchen countertops are considered areas where water can be present, creating a heightened risk of electrical shock. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates that GFCI protection is necessary for receptacles in locations that can be exposed to moisture, which includes kitchen countertops. This requirement applies regardless of whether the installation is in new constructions or existing structures, ensuring a uniform standard for safety in residential wiring. GFCI devices play a crucial role in protecting users by interrupting the electrical circuit if they detect an imbalance in the current flow, thus reducing the risk of electric shock. Therefore, the necessity for GFCI protection is not limited to specific conditions, but is a standard requirement for all kitchen countertop receptacles.