GFCI Protected Switches?

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ike5547

Senior Member
Location
Chico, CA
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Electrician
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?
 
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.
 
ike5547 said:
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?
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I wonder if it's an ADA rule?
 
Unless there is a local code requirement, most likely the inspector is misinterpreting 210.8(B)(1) to include switches.

Chris
 
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.
 
ike5547 said:
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?
Click to expand...

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

so you can look it up.
 
benaround said:
This is why it is important to have the Inspector write the violation with code reference,

so you can look it up.
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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.
 
jwjrw said:
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.
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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
 
raider1 said:
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
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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.
 
jwjrw said:
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.
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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
 
As a follow up, this is how it was resolved.


0120101400.jpg


0120101401.jpg
 
jwjrw said:
I wish all inspectors were required to write the violation down and make clear where he found the violation.
Click to expand...
Why wouldn't any inspector be more than happy to do so? Aren't we partners in making sure every installation is compliant?
 
raider1 said:
Did the inspector ever cite a local code requirement?

Chris
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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.
 
ike5547 said:
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.
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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 said:
I now have access to the SF electrical code so I'm gonna check it out.
Click to expand...

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...
 
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raider1 said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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