GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

[charlie b]

I have seen a couple recent discussions that, as a side issue, raised the question of whether the ?receptacle? internal to a bathroom?s light/fan fixture (i.e., the internal receptacle used to plug in the fan) would require GFCI protection. I think not. I would like to offer my reasoning for your consideration and comments. But first, the relevant code sections:

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in (1) through (8) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
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100 Definitions
Receptacle. A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug.
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100 Definitions
Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

I submit that the ?thing that you plug the fan?s cord into? is not a ?receptacle,? under the code?s definition. Here?s why: The component that takes current from the ?outlet? (i.e., the outlet located in the bathroom?s ceiling) is the combination light/fan fixture. Once that thing has its power, and once you follow the path of current into that thing, you are not longer in contact with the building?s ?wiring system.? Rather, you are internal to a UL listed component. Therefore, the ?thing that you plug the fan?s cord into? is not installed ?at the outlet.? I conclude that it does not meet the definition of ?receptacle.?

I don?t expect that this will change the mind of any AHJ who has already declared that GFCI protection is required in the case under discussion. But I am interested in hearing comments on my interpretation.

 

[BAHTAH]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

Charlie, I did not see the post on this subject but agree with your statements. In addition I would say under the definition of a bathroom in the NEC the receptacle within the UL-Listed fan is not in the bathroom but in the equipment and not intended or Listed for use by personnel as intended by the NEC to require GFCI protection.

 

[inspector 102]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

My post regarding the receptacle in the light/fan combo was as humorous to me when another inspector told me he enforced the GFCI requirement. I too feel that the listing of the equipment is taken into consideration when reviewing an install. Some units are specifically listed as GFCI required and others are silent. I have been inspecting for 14 years and still learn and hear new interpretation every day. I am thankful for the opinions that are posted on this site to allow me a multi-side view to the projects I inspect. Thanks for all the help everyone provides.

 

[eprice]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

I agree with what has been said. I would add that I believe the "intent" of 210.8(A)(1) is to provide protection to people when a cord supplied appliance is used near water if the appliance should happen to fall into the water or the person comes in contact with an energized part and the water. I just don't see many people removing the fan so they can attempt to plug the hair dryer in there

 

[websparky]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

Hi Charlie,

I agree.

The "connector" inside of this equipement is not a "receptacle", it is a connector.

I believe this article also applies here.

90.7
............It is the intent of this Code that factory-installed internal wiring or the construction of equipment need not be inspected at the time of installation of the equipment, except to detect alterations or damage, if the equipment has been listed by a qualified electrical testing laboratory that is recognized as having the facilities described in the preceding paragraph and that requires suitability for installation in accordance with this Code.

 

[pierre]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

Charlie
I believe that the intent of the code is not for the connection inside of the fan as you have said. Dave's code reference is a very good lead in to provide the inspector with something to reference other than 210.8

Pierre

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

The thread was Bob T.'s GFCI requirements, Help!.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

I can't believe this is an issue. :roll: Where has common sense gone?

 

[caj1962]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

common sense is an oxymoron it should be refered to as uncommon sense.
By the way I agree with Charlie

 

[noxx]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

Scott I often feel the same way. However, I'd much rather have a silly argument here in jest with you folks, than pull my hair out when some inspector with a bug in his...well, anyway, you see that point?

There is no point of contention so minute that it's beyond being brought up in the field, as we are sadly well aware. :roll:

 

[jimwalker]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

Maybe we are just lucky down here to have inspectors that DO HAVE COMMON SINCE.
Would really be a miserable job if we had inspectors that pulled stupid stuff like this on us.

 

[mthead]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

I missed the post which brought this subject up .
As an inspector I would not be concerned with the recpt inside the fixture[it never would have crossed my mind prior to this discussion].
But as insp.102 said I would take into consideration the unit instructions which generally indicate wether a bth/ex. fan unit is suitable for installation in wet/damp/etc.,areas and if gfi protection is required when installing in those areas.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

There is no point of contention so minute that it's beyond being brought up in the field

ROTHLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this job.

 

[hurk27]

Re: GFCI for Combination Light/Fan Fixtures

This is a Job?
I thought it was a adventure LOL