GFCI - "fail safe"

[jds]

When were the fail safe GFCI's required, are they listed as a requirement in NFPA-70, and did a MH newsletter discribe this new requirement?
Jim

 

[peter d]

It was a change in the UL standard, and the last major standard change for the present generation of GFCI's was in 2006.

No, they are not an NEC requirement. You can install the older generations of GFCI's if you have them in your stock, as probably most of us do.

 

[infinity]

This is one UL standard that IMO is a very good one. With all of the DIYers installing GFCI receptacles it's a good thing that they will not work at all if they're mis-wired.

 

[76nemo]

This is one UL standard that IMO is a very good one. With all of the DIYers installing GFCI receptacles it's a good thing that they will not work at all if they're mis-wired.

I second that 100X's over again.

 

[jds]

Thanks Gentlemen, Still would like more info. Would any or all failures of their electronics (as in lightning damage) render them fail-safe and not provide power as the old ones did? Any technical articles you can recommend? Jim

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Jim,
The UL standard does require that the GFCI stop providing power when the device is no longer providing shock protection. One brand has an indicating light when the device has failed, but it still provides power. Another is said to "lockout" the power on device failure, but it is my understanding that it does not do this until the next time that you push the test button or the device loses its power supply.
Don

 

[jds]

Thanks Don, More info. New UL 943 requirement in 2008 is for "end-of-life" (fail-safe) capability - Hubbell unit makes circuit check every 60 sec. and will shut off face, and also the LED will flash, if the unit will not provide protection. They have in stock. Much better. Thanks again, JIm