GFCI Protected Switches?

[ike5547]

I failed a final inspection on a handicap accessible bathroom in San Francisco a few minutes ago. The inspector says all of the switches in this bathroom have to be GFCI protected. The main reason appears to be that there is no separate drip ban for the shower -- which does make some sense.

But is there really a written code requirement for this somewhere? If so, where?

 

[augie47]

Most interesting.... the GFCI thing may be a local issue, but if one wishes to look at a handicap bath where there is no drip pan, and from that classify the entire bath as a shower area, then 404.4 would not allow switches at all.

 

[qcroanoke]

I failed a final inspection on a handicap accessible bathroom in San Francisco a few minutes ago. The inspector says all of the switches in this bathroom have to be GFCI protected. The main reason appears to be that there is no separate drip ban for the shower -- which does make some sense.

But is there really a written code requirement for this somewhere? If so, where?

I wonder if it's an ADA rule?

 

[jumper]

I wonder if it's an ADA rule?

If if is, it is new to me, I have to follow ADA rules and I have not encountered this one.

 

[raider1]

I wonder if it's an ADA rule?

I doubt it.

ADA rules are designed to allow equal access to facilities and services for persons with disabilities.

GFCI protection would not fall under that.

Chris

 

[raider1]

Unless there is a local code requirement, most likely the inspector is misinterpreting 210.8(B)(1) to include switches.

Chris

 

[ike5547]

I've got a possible work around but it requires the use of a gfci/switch device. But it has to be a 20 amp receptacle. Do they make GFI/switch combo devices with a 20 amp recept? I've only seen 15 amp ones.

 

[benaround]

I failed a final inspection on a handicap accessible bathroom in San Francisco a few minutes ago. The inspector says all of the switches in this bathroom have to be GFCI protected. The main reason appears to be that there is no separate drip ban for the shower -- which does make some sense.

But is there really a written code requirement for this somewhere? If so, where?

This is why it is important to have the Inspector write the violation with code reference,

so you can look it up.

 

[jwjrw]

This is why it is important to have the Inspector write the violation with code reference,

so you can look it up.

I wish all inspectors were required to write the violation down and make clear where he found the violation. I always try to meet them if possible. If it something small I can usally fix it while he is there.

 

[raider1]

I wish all inspectors were required to write the violation down and make clear where he found the violation. I always try to meet them if possible. If it something small I can usally fix it while he is there.

Check with your local AHJ or State statutes but most areas have laws that require an inspector to cite the code violation in writing.

Chris

 

[jwjrw]

Check with your local AHJ or State statutes but most areas have laws that require an inspector to cite the code violation in writing.

Chris

Im sure they do but that dosent mean all of them do it lol.
I'm usally there but I have gotten slips that tell me what they want but do not site code #. I have a good pass rate because everybody misses something sometimes.

 

[raider1]

Im sure they do but that dosent mean all of them do it lol.
I'm usally there but I have gotten slips that tell me what they want but do not site code #. I have a good pass rate because everybody misses something sometimes.

Have you asked the inspector to cite the code reference?

I don't always cite the code section number on all my inspection reports, but if asked I will always provide it.

Chris

 

[ike5547]

As a follow up, this is how it was resolved.

 

[LarryFine]

I wish all inspectors were required to write the violation down and make clear where he found the violation.

Why wouldn't any inspector be more than happy to do so? Aren't we partners in making sure every installation is compliant?

 

[raider1]

As a follow up, this is how it was resolved.

Did the inspector ever cite a local code requirement?

Chris

 

[ike5547]

Did the inspector ever cite a local code requirement?

Chris

I believe asking this particular inspector to cite a reference would have severely negative consequences. That doesn't mean there isn't a legitimate reference out there somewhere, but it isn't worth it on this one.

I now have access to the SF electrical code so I'm gonna check it out.

 

[480sparky]

Did the inspector ever cite a local code requirement?

Chris

I wouldn't change anything without it.

 

[raider1]

I believe asking this particular inspector to cite a reference would have severely negative consequences. That doesn't mean there isn't a legitimate reference out there somewhere, but it isn't worth it on this one.

Why would politely asking the inspector for a code reference have negative consequences?

I have never understood inspectors that get upset when asked for a code reference.

Chris

 

[ike5547]

I now have access to the SF electrical code so I'm gonna check it out.

Didn't see anything in the SF code.

On the positive side, it is a good idea. That floor is likely to get wet even though the drain is down hill from the switch locations. People are likely to be barefoot there on occasion, so...

On the other hand, if it's such a great idea then all switches in all bathrooms should be GFCI protected because bathroom floors in general are likely to get wet. Whatever...

 

[SEO]

Why would politely asking the inspector for a code reference have negative consequences?

I have never understood inspectors that get upset when asked for a code reference.

Chris

I think that only an insecure inspector would take offense if asked politely for a code reference. Most inspectors would be more than happy to give you a code reference and how they interpret it.