Block heater receptacles

[nizak]

Would exterior 20 amp 120 volt receptacles used for diesel engine block heaters require GFCI protection? This installation would be at a loading dock area.

Thanks

 

[ActionDave]

Yes.

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter
Protection for Personnel

Ground-fault circuit-interruption for personnel shall be pro-
vided as required in 210.8(A) through (C). The ground-fault
circuit-interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible
location.

(B) Other Than Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-
phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the loca-
tions specified in 210.8(B)(1) through (8) shall have
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

(4) Outdoors

 

[ptonsparky]

Yes.

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter
Protection for Personnel

Ground-fault circuit-interruption for personnel shall be pro-
vided as required in 210.8(A) through (C). The ground-fault
circuit-interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible
location.

(B) Other Than Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-
phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the loca-
tions specified in 210.8(B)(1) through (8) shall have
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

(4) Outdoors

GFCIs work. If it is tripping with a block heater, replace the heater and or the cords going to it.

Even if you can find some exclusion for whatever reason, use GFCIs.

 

[kwired]

Ever walk up to a vehicle that has such a heater plugged in, with a fault in the heater and no equipment ground in the supply cord for whatever reason and get hammered when you grab the handle to open the door?

There is good reason for the GFCI requirement.

 

[Cow]

I agree with all the posters above. Block heaters go bad on a regular basis. GFCI's are a GOOD thing, whether the customer can come to understand it or not.

 

[kwired]

I agree with all the posters above. Block heaters go bad on a regular basis. GFCI's are a GOOD thing, whether the customer can come to understand it or not.

I'd say 90 plus percent of problems I have encountered are with the supply cord or an extension cord and not the heater itself.