Page 44 - IEC Insights May-June21_PAGES

FEATURE

every code panel to look at their GFCI a concern worth addressing, how can
requirements and attempt to align them anyone claim running 30- to 50-amp
with 210.8’s 50-amp increase. receptacles outside of dwelling units is a
hazard? Common sense dictates both are
Each code panel performed their review; hazards and change is necessary.
some made changes, others did not. There
is room for discussion in future revisions I appreciate that equipment compatibility
of the Code regarding shock hazards issues on farms and at RV parks may
in the special other than dwelling unit require much time and financial capital to
applications. I believe the NEC will soon resolve. However, I cannot condone sitting
increase its focus on GFCIs and hopefully idle as lives are lost. I hope a series of
add clarity as each application in chapters discussions during the next code review
five through seven approaches GFCI cycle inspires commissioning an NFPA Fire
protection differently. Protection Research Foundation study
to further understand the implications
of expanding GFCI protection beyond
Tell us about further expansion 15 and 20 amps in RV parks and farms.
Q. of 50-amp protection and the Let’s study the problem, understand the
NEC articles to watch challenges, and determine solutions that
increase safety.
While representatives in agriculture
A. and RV industries have valid the first step toward increasing safety,
concerns about nuisance tripping, I believe What might the with industry feedback being critically
important in making improvements in
the NEC should revisit Article 547 for Q. future hold?
agricultural buildings and Article 551 for 2023. With that, we already have some of
the data needed to suggest the changes
RVs and RV parks to address valid shock The NEC mandates GFCI
hazard concerns and consider increasing A. protection in many areas of the desperately needed in the RV and farming
industries. I call on my NEC colleagues to
GFCI protection to 50 amps. home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor
receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, begin safety conversations now so that
Farming and RV industries rely on circuits kitchens, and anything within six feet we as a group can protect more lives from
that operate at well over 20 amps, yet no of a sink or water source. While that electrical shock.
safety requirements exist. Much of the may seem like a lot, the entirety of a
equipment used in these industries can be home is not covered. The reality is when Thomas A. Domitrovich is an electrical
quite old with leakage current a serious people have a problem with a tripped engineer within Eaton’s electrical business
concern. In my opinion, the Code lacks circuit, it’s entirely possible they’ll use an with experience in engineering, sales and
parity in how safety requirements exist in extension cord to plug into a receptacle marketing, business development, and
some industries and not in others. outlet that’s not GFCI protected. product management. Domitrovich is
Doing so does nothing to eliminate actively involved with various electrical
That must change. the original hazard potentially caused industry organizations and most recently
by the device in use. I hope that NEC focuses on the continued growth of
The studies needed to promote change members account for the human factor electrical safety. Domitrovich is an author
exist. The University of Iowa and the and require GFCI coverage throughout with a wide range of trade magazine
University of Nebraska have uncovered the home during the next code review. articles including columns in two industry
many incidents where farmers lost their trade magazines focused on electrical
lives due to faulty agricultural electrical safety. He sits on NFPA Code Making
equipment. Further, RV “hot skin,” a In conclusion, what advice Panel 2 for the continued development
situation where the entirety of an RV’s Q. do you have? of the National Electrical Code (NFPA
outer housing becomes energized due 70). He is also on the NFPA committee
to electrical faults, can kill in an instant, Let’s continue to make great for the continued development of NFPA
as was the case when a young boy A. strides in safety. Extending the 73 and chairs various committees for
died when touching an RV (https:// amp requirement across all receptacles is other electrical industry organizations.
bit.ly/3ty35d90. If RV parks and farms a milestone that cannot be understated – Domitrovich is a LEED® Accredited
running 30- to 50-amp receptacles it will change how industries work. Many Professional, a licensed professional
without GFCI protection is not deemed of the changes I’ve discussed represent engineer and holds a Bachelor of Electrical
Engineering from Gannon University.

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