JDB3
Senior Member
- Location
- San Antonio, Texas
Home owners have built a metal detached (from their home) storage, garage building. Was second level storage. Are the receptacles on the second level required to be GFCI protected? Thanks------
I agree with Dennis. This second level is no longer called a garage, and you can't park a car up there. However, unless the upper level has finished walls, I would propose to the homeowner that the outlets be GFCI because this is a metal building (regardless of NEC non-requirement). If the walls are finished, then I wouldn't bother. The purpose of the NEC ruling is to protect from ground fault, and the exposed metal walls present exactly that hazard.I am not sure I agree. The building may be called a garage but the floor above the garage is not the garage. You would not install gfci in a room above an attached garage.
I see what you are saying, as in a garage apt. on the second floor...Look ay 210.8(A)(2) . I think as written it probably does mean the entire building. I am not convinced the intent is for the entire building.
I see what you are saying, as in a garage apt. on the second floor...
Ok Flip flopping here... 210.8(A)(2) states "garages, and also accesory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level..." Would this mean ALL garages no matter how high, and any accessory buildings that are at or below grade have to be GFCI? So would an accessory building set up on 2' of blocks need GFCI?
That has always been my opinion of the intent when it comes to garages, unfinished basements, etc. that are ordinarily otherwise dry areas.I think the intent is to be safe when working on a slab that is in contact with the earth.
I see what you are saying, as in a garage apt. on the second floor...
Ok Flip flopping here... 210.8(A)(2) states "garages, and also accesory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level..." Would this mean ALL garages no matter how high, and any accessory buildings that are at or below grade have to be GFCI? So would an accessory building set up on 2' of blocks need GFCI?
Here is the catch, IMO. The article does not say that gfci is only required at grade level. It states that garages and accessory buildings that have a floor located at grade must have GFCI. Now the entire building is not a garage but it houses a garage and storage areas so I can see an AHJ requiring GFCI. Personally I don't see it that way-- no gfci on the second floor.Didn't know that a second story was "at grade"?????:happysad:
(2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use
Didn't know that a second story was "at grade"?????:happysad:
Here is the catch, IMO. The article does not say that gfci is only required at grade level. It states that garages and accessory buildings that have a floor located at grade must have GFCI. Now the entire building is not a garage but it houses a garage and storage areas so I can see an AHJ requiring GFCI. Personally I don't see it that way-- no gfci on the second floor.
It is if there is severe flooding issues:happyyes: Of course the occupancy is no longer just a dwelling it is also a marina or boat yard.
It does not say detached garages, so does this mean all the homes receptacles are to be GFCI protected? No. IMHO it means 'in' the garage. I could have a two story garage with an elevator to the second floor to store my cars and would only have to GFCI protect the receptacles on the grade level.
A detached garage would be an accessory building IMO. We could argue all day but the fact is it will be an AHJ call as there is room for interpretation.It does not say detached garages, so does this mean all the homes receptacles are to be GFCI protected? No. IMHO it means 'in' the garage. I could have a two story garage with an elevator to the second floor to store my cars and would only have to GFCI protect the receptacles on the grade level.
IMO, No