Article 210.8 (B)

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bob_a

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I realize that this may not necessarily be a new topic, as I saw quite a few postings on the subject earlier during a browse on the subject. I also realize that this is something of a hot topic.

I am an architect, and the firm I work for handles a well-known restaurant chain, especially in the midwest & southeast. We're having the same problem with 210.8(B) that every other restaurant chain in this part of the space-time continuum has - except we have other equipment, not just the refrigeration equipment, that trips the GFCI outlet when the motors cycle up.

I don't have a problem with the inspectors requiring the GFCI outlet - they're just doing their job. I don't have a problem with the outlets, either; I understand why they're required. The problem is with the spike that the motors create on a cycle start-up. All I want to know is if there is a way to dampen this spike so that it doesn't trip the outlet? Is there an outlet that provides the required protection that will take the spike without tripping? There has to be some answer to this that doesn't involve hard-wiring the appliances in question (which, as was pointed out in an earlier post, voids the UL listing and the manufacturer's warranty).

I know that one of the moderators, Charlie Eldridge, is in my area (Indianapolis, IN) so maybe he, or anyone else with insight, can weigh in with an answer.

Thanks.
 
Re: Article 210.8 (B)

I would recommend using a single GFCI receptacle for each unit. A very small amount of leakage is permitted but multiple units could trip the GFCI that is protecting them. It is the unbalanced current downstream from the GFCI device that will cause the device to trip. Therefore, I do not believe the "spike" is causing the problem. :D
 
Re: Article 210.8 (B)

Like anything else, I also suspect there are "cheap" GFI receptacles, and good ones. If Charlie's suggestion doesn't fix all all your problems, you might try a different brand, or maybe specification or hospital grade.

If the appliances are really causing the problem, it shouldn't be long before some manufacturer realizes the problem and takes action to stop their products from tripping these outlets. So (as a very last resort) maybe you need to change the brand of appliances.

Steve
 
Re: Article 210.8 (B)

I appreciate the comments. I'm not sure yet how this will play out, but every little bit helps. I hadn't thought of using hospital grade outlets; I'll have to do some checking into that.

Thanks for the tips. :D
 
Re: Article 210.8 (B)

Hospital grade GFCI's work on the same rating as does the "cheaper" version. I agree with Charlie's post use a single GFCI and see if that doeasn't take care of your problem.
 
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