2020 NEC GFCI requirements

[Grouch]

NYC is about to adopt the 2020 NEC.

I don't understand the exception under 210.8(A)(3):

Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to electric snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with as applicable.

If you go to 426.28 or 427.22, those sections mention ground fault protection for this equipment.

But this is an exception to outdoor equipment requiring GFI protection. But then those 2 sections 426.28 or 427.22 REQUIRE GFI protection.

I don't understand the language.

 

[infinity]

If you go to 426.28 or 427.22, those sections mention ground fault protection for this equipment.

They require GFPE protection not GFCI protection. GFPE is typically a 30 ma trip level where as GFCI is 4-6 ma trip level. The two are not the same.

 

[Grouch]

They require GFPE protection not GFCI protection. GFPE is typically a 30 ma trip level where as GFCI is 4-6 ma trip level. The two are not the same.

Got it. As long as GFPE protection is provided at the higher trip level, GFCI is not required?

 

[infinity]

Got it. As long as GFPE protection is provided at the higher trip level, GFCI is not required?

Yes there are two separate requirements one is GFCI protection for a receptacle and the other is GFPE for the heating equipment. If you meet the 210.8(A)(3) exception you would not need the GFCI protection for the receptacle.

 

[Grouch]

Thanks!