Does a gas furnace require a dedicated circuit?

[kwired]

I never do residential work, so forgive me for not knowing, but what the hell is that?

Probably a typo and should have been 14 AWG.

There is talk of copper clad aluminum coming back I think mostly because of high prices

I don't know what it takes to make it but not so certain that it will be significant enough less cost to make it worth using.

 

[Coppersmith]

Why would a gas furnace not be considered central heating equipment?

Do you have a make and model of the furnace? I have never seen a gas furnace with that low of an amp rating. I just looked up several makes and models. The smallest units show a minimum capacity of 8-9 amps. Those units also state MOCP of 15 amps.

To answer some questions:
* The furnace is fixed in place and connected to fixed ductwork.
* The HVAC contractor told me it was 3 amps. He might be full of it. I did not see a visible data plate to confirm. It's already installed in a tight location. The unit looked small to me. The only load is the spark lighter and a fan motor.
* It's definitely central heating equipment. I just didn't think the section applied since it was gas powered. I have wired a bunch of gas tankless water heaters (installed outside) to the outside GFCI and never failed an inspection. Granted these use a fraction of an amp.
* The reason I just didn't run a dedicated circuit is the route is difficult and I would have to charge the client significantly more. Trying to save them a bunch of money. (Plus attics in Florida are freaking hot!)

 

[kwired]

To answer some questions:
* The furnace is fixed in place and connected to fixed ductwork.
* The HVAC contractor told me it was 3 amps. He might be full of it. I did not see a visible data plate to confirm. It's already installed in a tight location. The unit looked small to me. The only load is the spark lighter and a fan motor.
* It's definitely central heating equipment. I just didn't think the section applied since it was gas powered. I have wired a bunch of gas tankless water heaters (installed outside) to the outside GFCI and never failed an inspection. Granted these use a fraction of an amp.
* The reason I just didn't run a dedicated circuit is the route is difficult and I would have to charge the client significantly more. Trying to save them a bunch of money. (Plus attics in Florida are freaking hot!)

Those are not central heating equipment and have no other code section that requires them to be on their own circuit - other than if the product instructions call for it plus there is 210.23(A) which can limit amount of fixed loads/appliances on a general use lighting circuit.

 

[letgomywago]

Probably a typo and should have been 14 AWG.

There is talk of copper clad aluminum coming back I think mostly because of high prices

I don't know what it takes to make it but not so certain that it will be significant enough less cost to make it worth using.

No typo there is a plan to eventually bring 10 amp circuits for 14 awg copper clad aluminum into the code. The 10 amp made it in and it's only a mater of time till the 14 awg copper clad aluminum does too.

 

[kwired]

No typo there is a plan to eventually bring 10 amp circuits for 14 awg copper clad aluminum into the code. The 10 amp made it in and it's only a mater of time till the 14 awg copper clad aluminum does too.

You wrote 15 AWG the first time, my guess was that was a typo and you meant 14 AWG.

 

[Joethemechanic]

No typo there is a plan to eventually bring 10 amp circuits for 14 awg copper clad aluminum into the code. The 10 amp made it in and it's only a mater of time till the 14 awg copper clad aluminum does too.

Is this only going to be for stuff like lighting? I can't imagine they would let it be used for receptacles. 15 amp receptacle, 10 amp wire? And even if you used it for an E26 base fixture, someone could overlamp, or worse yet screw in an adapter

 

[kwired]

Is this only going to be for stuff like lighting? I can't imagine they would let it be used for receptacles. 15 amp receptacle, 10 amp wire? And even if you used it for an E26 base fixture, someone could overlamp, or worse yet screw in an adapter

That is what overcurrent protection is for. Of course there will still be some DIY's or self proclaimed electricians that change them, but unfortunately many will skip past a 15 and go to to a 20 or a 30.

 

[letgomywago]

Is this only going to be for stuff like lighting? I can't imagine they would let it be used for receptacles. 15 amp receptacle, 10 amp wire? And even if you used it for an E26 base fixture, someone could overlamp, or worse yet screw in an adapter

Wafer lights and disk lights are what people want if I have to use copper clad I'm doing 12s for outlets and 14 for lights and smokies

 

[mtnelect]

Most manufacturers require a dedicated circuit. In my inspection I have found more contractors installing flexible cords, which is a violation of the NEC.

 

[letgomywago]

Most manufacturers require a dedicated circuit. In my inspection I have found more contractors installing flexible cords, which is a violation of the NEC.

That's common I've heard in California but here you'll see a dedicated circuit even in 50s homes with original furnaces

 

[mtnelect]

That's common I've heard in California but here you'll see a dedicated circuit even in 50s homes with original furnaces

Yes, I agree.

 

[ramsy]

Most manufacturers require a dedicated circuit. In my inspection I have found more contractors installing flexible cords, which is a violation of the NEC.

Per 400.10(A)(8) Can you show FAU instructions where, the appliance is (not) intended or identified for flexible cord connection?

 

[mtnelect]

Per 400.10(A)(8) Can you show FAU instructions where, the appliance is (not) intended or identified for flexible cord connection?

Make all electrical connections in accordance with National
Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70􀃯2011 and any local codes or
ordinances that might apply.

 

[mtnelect]

Additional information on furnaces.

 

[kwired]

Most manufacturers require a dedicated circuit. In my inspection I have found more contractors installing flexible cords, which is a violation of the NEC.

Furnaces are often located in a place where the receptacle would require GFCI protection.

The ones with variable speed blowers don't always play so well with GFCI.

 

[ramsy]

Make all electrical connections in accordance with National
Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70􀃯2011 and any local codes or
ordinances that might apply.

Highlighted FAU instructions:
Use a separate, fused branch electrical circuit with a properly sized fuse or circuit breaker for this furnace. See Table 7 for wire size and fuse specifications. A readily accessible means of electrical disconnect must be located within sight of the furnace

Is a cord & plug not an accessible disconnect within sight?

 

[mtnelect]

Is a cord & plug not an accessible disconnect within sight?

See Section Sections 400-7(a)(8) & 422.16(A)

 

[ramsy]

Additional information on furnaces.

For HVAC code, your state of California currently adopts the 2022 Mechanical Code:

301.4 Electrical Connections. For equipment regulated
by this code:
1) Equipment requiring electrical connections of more than
50 volts shall have a positive means of disconnect adja-
cent to and in sight from the equipment served.
Exception: Other power disconnect means shall be acceptable where in accordance with the California Elec-
trical Code.
2) A 120 volt receptacle shall be located within 25 feet
(7620 mm) of the equipment for service and maintenance
purposes. The receptacle outlet shall be on the supply
side of the disconnect switch. The receptacle need not be
located on the same level as the equipment.
3) Electrical wiring, controls, and connections to equipment
and appliances regulated by this code shall be in accor-
dance with the California Electrical Code.

Nothing here prohibits a listed appliance cord & plug rated for nameplate load.

 

[tortuga]

I don't buy that and I doubt any inspectors would either.

If the op is talking about the garage receptacles then they would have to be on their own circuit but that gets sticky anyway based on it being an existing installation.

So now you are taking a branch circuit and making it a feeder. How can the garage outlets be on a feeder and not a branch cir. You can't make it a feeder in one case and a branch circuit in another. It seems a bit too much for me

If its the garage circuit it can't supply other outlets per 210.11(C)(4)
Did we not have a discussion recently about 50A circuit feeding both a main lug panel and a 14-50 receptacle?
I think it came down to calculated load and was possible.

 

[tortuga]

See Section Sections 400-7(a)(8) & 422.16(A)

Those are 1999 code references, the current reference is 400.10(A)(8)
In my neck of the woods an inspector will allow a condensate pump to be cord and plug but not a standard gas furnace.
I have also had this come up with a water heater being cord and plug connected (not by me), inspector did not approve.
I have never tried to push the issue, but there might be other uses permitted in 400.10(A) such as (7)
Dishwashers and disposals get away with it but they have a carve out in 422.
I have seen installers that cut the cord cap off the condensate pump, use a cable gland and hard wire the SO cord to the furnace switch.