Rub a dub dub... about them dishes in the tub!

Okay here another thought for all of us out in Home Inspection land and Real Estate professional.

With the new version of the Electrical Code the outlet for the dishwasher will have to be GFCI protected, this does not mean just a receptacle, and outlet from Article 100 is, "A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment." Which means receptacle outlet, lighting outlet, or hardwired.

Per NEC 210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel

Subsection (D)  Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit. GFCI protection shall be provided for outlets that supply dishwashers installed in dwelling unit locations.

So for most this mean just putting in a GFCI receptacle if you have a cord and plug installation, but hold on that will not do. This or any GFCI needs to be readily accessible and that means; Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to actions such as to use tools, to climb over or remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.

Now add to the mix that at least here in Washington State the kitchen has to have arc fault protection then you're going to have to really think about how this protection will be provided.

Square-D has now come out with a dual function AFCI/GFCI Breaker. This will solve this issue.  But unless you have a Square-D panel you maybe out of luck. I am sure the other manufacturers are not far behind.

Notice the Purple button

Another scenario is that you have a AFCI breaker in the panel and then GFCI device such as a blank face style (no receptacle) GFCI that is in A “Readily Accessible” location. By some jurisdiction definition under the sink may not met this requirement.

Blank Face GFCI

So like many things this will be a little painful in the beginning but we will work though this. These changes are likely here to stay so we all will need to deal with it at one time or another.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

www.ncwhomeinspections.com                                                   509-670-9572