230.95(C)

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pete m.

pete m.

Senior Member
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Ohio
Looking for opinions...

I have a situation where the design engineer has specified GFP on a 1200 amp service disconnect (breaker) with a system voltage of 120y208.

Since GFP is not required by the NEC for this system do you think the testing outlined in 230.95(C) should be required?

Pete
 
cowboyjwc said:
I would agree. As an inspector you may not have anything to hang your hat on, but 230.95(C) doesn't say any thing like "...as described in 230.95" so you could just use that.
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You have to get to 230.95(C) through 230.95 first, so you IMHO you could not apply 230.95(C) unless you meet 230.95.

Now with that said I would recommend that the GFP be tested but not require it based on 230.95.

Chris
 
This is clearly protection above and beyond NEC minimums, but that does not mean code sections would not still apply.

230.95 says you must have GFP for some systems and what to do with it. 230.95 does not say 'this section does not apply to optional installations of GFP'.

And of course there is always 110.3(B), I do not know of a 'listed' GFP that does not include testing as part of the installation instructions.
 
jim dungar said:
This is clearly protection above and beyond NEC minimums, but that does not mean code sections would not still apply.

230.95 says you must have GFP for some systems and what to do with it. 230.95 does not say 'this section does not apply to optional installations of GFP'.

And of course there is always 110.3(B), I do not know of a 'listed' GFP that does not include testing as part of the installation instructions.
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I would agree with using 110.3(B) as a basis for requiring the testing of the GFP device.

Chris
 
Unique to Ohio is section 102.9 of the Ohio Building Code (which is primarily based on the IBC with "Ohioized" verbiage)

102.9 Non-required work. Any component, building element, equipment, system or portion thereof not required by this code shall be permitted to be installed as a partial or complete system provided that it is constructed or installed in accordance with this code to the extent of the installation.

Since the NEC is adopted by reference in the OBC (Ohio Building Code) I'm thinking that this section would require the testing in 230.95(C) although the GFP is not specifically required by 230.95.

Also, I agree that 110.3(B) would be the "trump card" if needed.

Pete
 
pete m. said:
102.9 Non-required work. Any component, building element, equipment, system or portion thereof not required by this code shall be permitted to be installed as a partial or complete system provided that it is constructed or installed in accordance with this code to the extent of the installation.
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Goes along with my reasoning.
 
raider1 said:
You have to get to 230.95(C) through 230.95 first, so you IMHO you could not apply 230.95(C) unless you meet 230.95.

Now with that said I would recommend that the GFP be tested but not require it based on 230.95.

Chris
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I'm not disagreeing, I was more just playing the word game that so many of these guys like to play.:roll:
 
cowboyjwc said:
I'm not disagreeing, I was more just playing the word game that so many of these guys like to play.:roll:
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One of the arguments that I get on the required testing is that the service has to be energized to perform the testing on the GFP. I could be wrong, but I take it that the testing is to be performed when "first installed on site". I understand that the GFP can be tested without service voltage and I am of the opinion that this is the way it should be done. Just curious if that is how others are seeing it.

Pete
 
The GFP system should be tested with without being energized, improper neutral to ground bonding should be located as part of the system testing. Simply using the push-to-test button does not meet the requirements of most manufacturers' literature'.
 
jim dungar said:
The GFP system should be tested with without being energized, improper neutral to ground bonding should be located as part of the system testing. Simply using the push-to-test button does not meet the requirements of most manufacturers' literature'.
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What Jim said. What usually happens though is that the contractor gets ahead of him self and puts in the service first. When they come out to test the GFP you will usually see a note that says that not all connections were made so they couldn't verify improper neutral to ground bonding.

The entire electrical system should be complete before the service is energized. I never understand why every one wants to work from the service out, we always worked from the building to the service. one of the last things we did was button up the panels. I get called out all the time on jobs where all the panels are made up and there are wires hanging out everywhere around the building and they want to know if they can energize.
 
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