2020 NEC and Whole House GFCI Protection
Each code change cycle more and more movement towards whole house GFCI protection occurs. The 2020 NEC is no different. In the past, GFCI protection in dwellings was required for 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20- ampere receptacles in specific locations. This cycle removes “15- and 20- ampere” from the text and expands GFCI protection in dwellings to include receptacles up to 250 volts such as the typical range or dryer receptacle, but only if these receptacles are placed in specific locations. Most dwelling unit kitchens have a cord and plug connected, 240-volt oven/range but the receptacle for it is not installed to serve the countertop, therefore it would not require GFCI protection unless the receptacle is installed within 6 feet from the top inside edge of the kitchen sink bowl.
All 120-volt through 240-volt receptacles installed in the locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through (11) & supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground shall have ground fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel.
Below is the new code language for the 2020 NEC that increases costs with the residential electrical contractors;
210.8(A) Dwelling Units
All 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles installed in the locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through (A)(11) and supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
- Bathrooms
- Garages and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use
- Outdoors
- Exception to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to electric snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable.
- Crawl spaces — at or below grade level
- Basements
- Exception to (5): A receptacle supplying only a permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall not be required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
- Informational Note: See 760.41(B) and 760.121(B) for power supply requirements for fire alarm systems.
- Receptacles installed under the exception to 210.8(A)(5) shall not be considered as meeting the requirements of 210.52(G).
- Kitchens — where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces
- Sinks — where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink
- Boathouses
- Bathtubs or shower stalls — where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall
- Laundry areas
- Exception to (1) through (3), (5) through (8), and (10): Listed locking support and mounting receptacles utilized in combination with compatible attachment fittings installed for the purpose of serving a ceiling luminaire or ceiling fan shall not be required to be ground-fault circuit-interrupter protected. If a general-purpose convenience receptacle is integral to the ceiling luminaire or ceiling fan, GFCI protection shall be provided.
- Indoor damp and wet location
Read More : Outdoor Emergency Disconnects