2020 GFCI Requirement: Non-Dwelling Unit Washing Machines

[PillarOfAutumn]

I had an employee of a customer express their concern about some commercial extractors (washing machines) not being GFCI protected. Long story short I am told these machines are not designed to and will not run on a GFCI protected circuit. One is 3 phase 208v and the other is single phase 208v, both 20A. I've looked through the 2020 code, 210.8(B) and 422.5(A). It appears there is no requirement for GFCI protection as long as the machines are hardwired (conduit) into the circuit. Am I missing anything? Since this is a safety concern I wanted to get a second opinion. Thanks!

 

[rc/retired]

I believe that if there is not a receptacle, then GFCI protection is not required.

Ron

 

[GeorgeB]

I would be positively, absolutely sure the ECG is connected to the frame of the extractor.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I had an employee of a customer express their concern about some commercial extractors (washing machines) not being GFCI protected. Long story short I am told these machines are not designed to and will not run on a GFCI protected circuit. One is 3 phase 208v and the other is single phase 208v, both 20A. I've looked through the 2020 code, 210.8(B) and 422.5(A). It appears there is no requirement for GFCI protection as long as the machines are hardwired (conduit) into the circuit. Am I missing anything? Since this is a safety concern I wanted to get a second opinion. Thanks!

I believe the reason for gfci protection when a piece of equipment is cord and plug there is a better chance that the equipment grounding conductor in the cord or in the male cap can be disturbed compared to a direct wired unit.

 

[LarryFine]

I thought it had to do with partially-inserted blade exposure.

 

[PillarOfAutumn]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input!

 

[jap]

I think the GFI reasoning boils down to any place where one has a higher likely hood of getting shocked by being in personal contact with a faulty piece of equipment.

If the reasoning were simply for the EGC being compromised in a cord , or, accidental contact with partially inserted blades, the rule would need to apply to "ALL" receptacle outlets regardless of amperage, voltage or location.

JAP>

 

[petersonra]

I had an employee of a customer express their concern about some commercial extractors (washing machines) not being GFCI protected. Long story short I am told these machines are not designed to and will not run on a GFCI protected circuit. One is 3 phase 208v and the other is single phase 208v, both 20A. I've looked through the 2020 code, 210.8(B) and 422.5(A). It appears there is no requirement for GFCI protection as long as the machines are hardwired (conduit) into the circuit. Am I missing anything? Since this is a safety concern I wanted to get a second opinion. Thanks!

That suggests there is leakage current to the EGC, which is not ideal.

 

[jap]

That suggests there is leakage current to the EGC, which is not ideal.

Agreed.

A problem that isn't made any more safe by hard wiring.

JAP>