GFCI- Good For Code Information, list of GFCI’s requirements in homes.
Submitted by DonHester on Mon, 10/27/2014 - 15:52.
GFCI- Good For Code Information, list of GFCI’s requirements in homes. Chelan Home Inspections
As a home inspector in Washington State we are required to report missing GFCI protection and advise the clients to install them where they are missing per industry standards. I went through the NEC and compiled a list of code sections that have reference to GFCI protection that you may encounter on a home inspection.
This list was taken from a very handy “Commentary Table” (table 210.1) from the 2014 NEC Handbook.
I removed sections that do not really apply to residential (dwelling units) but did leave a few in that are loosely associated that may come into play.
GFCI in laundry required per 2014 NEC
Let’s start off with the main reference for GFCI’s we need to know-
Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel, this lies in NEC section 210.8.
This next section is very important for everyone when it comes to replacing receptacles-
Replacement Receptacles 406.4(D)(3)
Next I am going to list those areas that are most relevant;
Audio Systems equipment 640.10(A) (near bodies of water)
Tubs and Spas-
Spas and Hot Tubs 680.44
Tubs, Therapeutic 680.62(A)
Hydromassage bathtubs 680.71
Heating-
Space Heating embedded in floor 424.44(G)
Water outside-
Boathouses 555.19(B)(1)
Fountains 680.51(A), 680.56
Natural or artificially made bodies of water 682.15
Here are some items that you may run into-
Feeders and Temporary Installations-
Feeders 215.9 (This relates to using the protection of the feeder as protection for the requirements in 210.8 and 590.6)
Temporary Installations 590.6
Hey I have inspected a few homes with drinking fountains
Drinking Fountains 422.52
Not likely but you could see this is some applications-
Electronic Equipment sensitive 647.7(A)
This type of supply system is employed as a means to reduce objectionable noise and its adverse effect on the performance of electronic audio and video equipment.
So now you can have fun reading all the code sections.
Remember that it is now required that all GFCI receptacle outlets must be readily accessible. This means they cannot be blocked by appliances like washing machines or refrigerators that cannot be easily moved. The purpose is to have the GFCI device available for testing, as required by the manufacturer.
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