GFCI - Drinking Fountains

[GarySt]

While attending the last 2002 code update class I remember it being stated that drinking fountains are an exception to the GFCI rule. Can anyone site the code location for me if this is indeed true? I cannot locate it. Thanks!

 

[ryan_618]

Re: GFCI - Drinking Fountains

There is no exception, because there is not a rule to require it in the first place.

Unless, of course, it is in a commercial kitchen, in which case it would be required by 210.8(B).

 

[charlie b]

Re: GFCI - Drinking Fountains

Originally posted by ryan_618:Unless, of course, it is in a commercial kitchen, in which case it would be required by 210.8(B).

Unless, of course, it is hard wired. That would bring us back to your ". . . there is not a rule to require it in the first place."

 

[iwire]

Re: GFCI - Drinking Fountains

Originally posted by charlie b:
Unless, of course, it is hard wired. That would bring us back to your ". . . there is not a rule to require it in the first place."

I have never seen a hardwired drinking fountain.

 

[muskiedog]

From my understanding it is not required since the outlet is ussually not exposed for nomal use. IE underneath-hard to get at.

 

[dlhoule]

Personally I think it is a good idea to GFCI them. Especially ones that also have heater for hot water.

 

[petersonra]

Personally I think it is a good idea to GFCI them. Especially ones that also have heater for hot water.

just curious why you think it is such a good idea.

 

[dlhoule]

I have seen drinking fountains leaking enough to cause corrosion of the ground connection. In the ones with heaters I've seen heater go to ground leaving 120 Volts on the drinking fountain.
With the cost of GFCI being relatively inexpensive. Why not.

 

[ryan_618]

From my understanding it is not required since the outlet is ussually not exposed for nomal use. IE underneath-hard to get at.

I don't think that is the case. For example, refigerators in commercial kitchens need GFCI protection (if 125 volt, 15 or 20A), and they are more difficult to get to than the receptacle for a drinking fountain.

I think there is no rule because there are probably no documented fatalities.