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Tell us about the GFCI language Can you tell us about the 2020 GFCI technology is unforgiving in that
Q. What is the rationale for change? Q. change for safer equipment it’s built to detect even the slightest
maintenance for workers? power variance, and when expanded
NEC 2017 language only accounts to include outlets impacting new types
A. for 15- and 20-amp receptacle The NEC expanded GFCI protection of loads, questions arise. With GFCIs
outlets for dwelling units. During 2020 A. under Article 210.63(A) for HVAC installed, leakage-current trips may be
code review meetings, panel members equipment and Article 210.63(B) for near constant, rendering large equipment
agreed that hazards always exist; if 15- indoor service equipment and indoor unusable. In the future, I hope industries
and 20-amp receptacle outlets present a equipment requiring dedicated space. rethink products with acceptable leakage
hazard, that hazard also exists on 30-amp current, hertz, and frequency values to
and higher receptacle outlets. However, it Equipment location is at the crux of reduce future compatibility issues.
was difficult to understand the likelihood this update. While HVAC equipment in
of a hazardous occurrence when weighed the basement is covered now that all Further, this change will likely spur
against expanded requirements. Home- basement circuits are GFCI protected, discussions related to current GFCI
based electrocution accidents – a HVAC equipment located in attics and requirements focusing only on receptacle
10-year-old girl (https://bit.ly/3tA2J5R) other areas would likely not have GFCI outlets. Hardwiring equipment does not
behind an energized appliance, a child protection. CMP 2 recognized that many eliminate the electrical hazard. I venture
in Oklahoma (https://bit.ly/3x9GZ2K) HVAC areas are typically tight working someone will propose public inputs during
retrieving a pet behind a clothes dryer, a spaces where technicians perform justified the next code-review cycle to challenge
10-year-old Houston boy (https://wapo. energized work (they can’t troubleshoot details about receptacle outlets versus
st/2QzLwLd) playing hide and seek – a de-energized circuit). In essence, the outlets requiring GFCI protection.
helped panel members realize the need update assures equipment requiring
for change. In light of these tragic events, service has a GFCI-protected receptacle
we now have a requirement that sets a outlet for ready access. What are the sweeping global
higher standard across more areas of the Q. language changes and what is
Code, though there are some exceptions Because this is the NEC’s first venture the rationale for them?
that I’ll explain later. into expanding 210.63, I expect some
inspectors and contractors may not see The NEC reviewed all locations
eye to eye on code language. Industry A. with a GFCI requirement and
Tell us about the GFCI language discussions across the country and during aligned with Article 210.8. Updates were
Q. What is the 2020 change for future review cycles will help the NEC made in many locations to include text,
better protection in basements? make future improvements. such as “in addition to the requirements
of 210.8” and similar, to clarify language
The NEC expanded GFCI protection and eliminate misinterpretation.
A. for dwelling units with basements And, what is the change for
both finished and unfinished. Q. safer outdoor outlets? The NEC included Article 210.8(B)
for other than dwelling units in 1993.
Often afterthoughts that present unique The NEC updated the Code for Before its inclusion, builders relied on
hazards, basements are typically not as A. outdoor outlets supplied by single- requirements in later chapters of the
well maintained as other areas of the phase branch circuits rated 150 volts to Code (chapters five through seven), for
home. Further, environments are often ground or less, 50 amps or less. Key to this safety guidance. For example, RV Park
wet and damp, and moisture is a great update: it extends beyond receptacle outlets GFCI requirements added in 1978 aligned
conductor. These code updates help to include all outlets. Now all hard-wired with 210.8’s 15- and 20-amp receptacle
ensure that accidents due to factors such equipment falls under the Code’s purview. outlet GFCI protection philosophy at that
as leakage current and contact with water time. NEC 2017 created some confusion
are considerably lessened or eliminated. One downfall of the electrical business is when 210.8(B) increased GFCI protection
that it’s more reactive than proactive, with requirements beyond 15- and 20-amp
Many rooms in a home are already accidents often the catalyst for change. receptacle outlets for other than dwelling
required to have GFCI protection. Numerous incidents inspired this code units. This presented a challenge: a
While it feels like the most logical code change, including an accident involving a chapter two requirement applied a
progression, others in the industry still 12-year-old boy (https://bit.ly/3mZcCHK) generally wider level of GFCI protection.
pushback on requiring GFCIs throughout who jumped over a fence and touched an This conflicted with chapter five, which
a home claiming financial concerns or AC condenser unit with an electrical fault. has less coverage of GFCI protection.
installation problems. As with the parental The outer metal housing was electrified
language update, I believe this code and the child was fatally electrocuted The correlating committee recognized
change can inspire discussions to include immediately upon coming in contact with similar conflicts exist across industries and
GFCIs throughout the home. the condenser and fence simultaneously. formulated a task group that challenged

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