Page 42 - IEC Insights May-June21_PAGES

FEATURE Q&A:

During the recent 2020 code review,
panel members of the National
NEC 2020 Electrical Code (NEC) approved
changes to ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI) protection. The
Code most significant change is the
increase of amp protection ratings
across all receptacle outlets, both
Changes indoor and outdoor, wherever
GFCI protection is required.

We recently spoke with Eaton’s
Look to Thomas Domitrovich, P.E., LEED AP,

vice president, technical sales,
about the changes that dramatically
Set New reduce the dangers associated
with electrical hazard and shock.

Standards Q. expansion and 2020 change
Tell us about the GFCI language

Some updates apply to long-standing
in GFCI A. requirements. With that, a need for
further clarity may still exist in the Code.
However, I can say without hesitation that
Protection the NEC’s 2020 GFCI updates significantly
enhance electrical safety for homeowners
and electrical workers alike.
Code-making panel 2 (CMP 2) updated
text to read, “All 125-volt through 250-volt
receptacles installed in the locations specified
in 210.8(A) (1) through (11) and supplied by
single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts
or less to ground shall have ground fault
circuit interrupter protection for personnel.”
In layman’s terms, the NEC removed amp
values across all amp-rated receptacle outlets
requiring GFCI protection in the areas listed
in this section.

40 Insights Magazine | May/June 2021 | www.ieci.org