Replacement luminaires do not require a connection to an equipment grounding conductor if they are what?

Replacement luminaires do not require a connection to an equipment grounding conductor if they are GFCI protected. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is designed to prevent electrical shock by interrupting the circuit when it detects an imbalance in the electrical current. When a luminaire is GFCI protected, it provides a level of safety that reduces the risk of electric shock, making the connection to an equipment grounding conductor less critical in this specific scenario.

This is particularly relevant in locations where moisture is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor areas, as GFCIs are commonly required in those environments to enhance safety against electrical hazards.

The other options—newly installed, LED models, and indoor fixtures—do not inherently provide the same level of electrical safety that GFCI protection does, which is essential in determining the necessity of grounding connections. Therefore, while new installations, specific types of lamps, or their placement may have varying grounding requirements, GFCI protection is the key factor that can exempt certain replacement luminaires from needing an equipment ground connection.