210.8 (B)

Mark_WV

Member
Location
WV
Occupation
Engineer
I have a local code official in WV interpreting that a disconnect switch is a receptacle. Of course, he is the AHJ and the local fire marshal is agreeing with him on this. So is a receptacle and disconnect switch the same?
 
Are they saying the disconnect switch is a receptacle and requires GFCI protection? Look at the definition of a receptacle in Article 100.
 
Are they saying the disconnect switch is a receptacle and requires GFCI protection? Look at the definition of a receptacle in Article 100.
Yes, we called him and went through the definition on the phone. He stops "direct connection of electrical utilization equipment" and doesn't want to recognize "designed to mate with the corresponding contact device". We have some three phase heat pumps that he is requiring GFCI protection. He is supposed to be sending us some additional information from NFPA that supports his conclusions.
 
Yes, we called him and went through the definition on the phone. He stops "direct connection of electrical utilization equipment" and doesn't want to recognize "designed to mate with the corresponding contact device". We have some three phase heat pumps that he is requiring GFCI protection. He is supposed to be sending us some additional information from NFPA that supports his conclusions.
You're dealing with an.....
 
The definition for receptacle is garbage. You could apply it to a keyless fixture and a light bulb. Or any fan or light fixture with a quick disconnect connector for servicing.

The AHJ is wrong, and you are going to have nothing but problems with that GFCI.
 
I'm a little confused. He is calling a switch a receptacle or you do have a receptacle/plug cord connection?
 
We have disconnect switches indicated. He is saying a disconnect switch is a receptacle.
 
We have disconnect switches indicated. He is saying a disconnect switch is a receptacle.
That's a pretty clueless interpretation. Isn't part of the definition of a receptacle have something to do with an attachment plug?
 
I agree with Infinity. Stick to the definition and fight it. A receptacle may be used as a means of disconnect, where rated, but a disconnect switch is not a receptacle.
 
Based on what I see in this thread, we are not talking about receptacles, but are talking about outlets as covered in 210.8(F). Based on post #2, TIA 20-19, which added Exception # to to 210.8(F) does not apply. TIAs do not automatically apply, but must be adopted just using the same method that was used to adopt the code itself.

The outside heat pumps are supplied by outlets and the outlet must have GFCI protection.. assuming that they are installed at a dwelling. The only issue for debate is exactly where the outlet is, but that does not change anything. The GFCI protection is still required.

The term receptacle does not even enter into this discussion.
 
assuming that they are installed at a dwelling.
The OP mentioned that some of the heat pumps are 3 phase, which would be unusual at a dwelling.

Edit: based on the thread title and the OP's information, it seems the inspector is misreading the definition of "receptacle" as being equivalent to the definition of "outlet".

Cheers, Wayne
 
I have a local code official in WV interpreting that a disconnect switch is a receptacle.
Short answer is a disconnect switch is not a receptacle so if that's the only argument then the code official is wrong. If GFCI protection is being required for an outlet that may be a different animal.
 
The 2023 does require gfci for hvac, whether feed by disconnect switch or not, but that is not until Jan. 1, 2026
 
The 2023 does require gfci for hvac, whether feed by disconnect switch or not, but that is not until Jan. 1, 2026
The OP says they are on the 2020, but that they did not adopt TIA 20-19.
(F) Outdoor Outlets.
All outdoor outlets for dwellings, other than those covered in 210.8(A)(3), Exception to (3), that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less, shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

Exception No. 1:
Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall not be required on lighting outlets other than those covered in 210.8(C).

Exception No. 2: (TIA 20-19 added this exception)
Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall not be required for listed HVAC equipment. This exception shall expire September 1, 2026.
 
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