Installing outlet receptacle in unfinished basement furnace/water heater room
Nothing special needed here except the GFCI since this room is not finished. Finished rooms in a basement depending on how long back may not have AFCI or GFCI protection but adding a receptacle in an unfinished basement room would require a GFCI even if no water present.  The outlet can be directly adjacent to the equipment no spacing is required no covers or anything else is required by the national electric code.