GFCI for Freezer in basement?

[bjp_ne_elec]

I have always been nervous about freezers in basements - and I know that the Exception in the code allows a circuit feeding a freezer to be excluded from the Basement GFCI requirement - but personally I like the idea of using there. A puddle in a kitchen floor, isn't the same thing as standing in a puddle in the basement and opening the door.

Anyone else out there think the same?

Brett

 

[iwire]

It is likely that the exceptions that allow single receptacles to be used in place of GFCI protected receptacles for appliances in garages and cellars will be removed for 2008.

That being the case we all might as well get used to seeing freezers plugged into GFCIs.

 

[busman]

Bob,

Do they plan to still allow the exception for sump pumps? I can replace the food in the freezer, but the hazard of a basement full of water seems to be greater than the shock hazard from the sump pump receptacle.

Mark

 

[infinity]

Bob,

Do they plan to still allow the exception for sump pumps? I can replace the food in the freezer, but the hazard of a basement full of water seems to be greater than the shock hazard from the sump pump receptacle.

Mark

As Bob said they are leaning towards removing all exceptions. From what I've heard this would include sump pumps.

 

[iwire]

Bob,

Do they plan to still allow the exception for sump pumps? I can replace the food in the freezer, but the hazard of a basement full of water seems to be greater than the shock hazard from the sump pump receptacle.

Mark

Mark I agree with Trevor and will add my sump pump has been on a GFCI for at least three years now. No problem.

If the sump pump is needed I suggest a battery powered alarm to sound if you start getting water above the normal level.

 

[LarryFine]

If the sump pump is needed I suggest a battery powered alarm to sound if you start getting water above the normal level.

You can also use a battery-backup pump system.

 

[muskiedog]

Back-up sump pump.

Back-up sump pump.

You do really want a battery back up. Power seems to always go out in the heavy storms which are going to cause the flooding. Gives you a little piece of mind but you have to take care of the battery.

 

[bphgravity]

I've tried to give this same explanation to restaurant owners. If they are so worried about losing product due to a tripped gfci, then temperature alarms should be installed. They can even be connected to phone dialers that will call a person to notify them of a low temperature in the cooler/freezer.

I don't see this as being that big of an issue especially now that we have afci issues to complain about.

 

[bjp_ne_elec]

BPH - didn't totally understand what you intended with your comment - "I don't see this as a big deal..." - does this mean you lean towards GFCI's for freezers in basements or not?

Thanks

Brett

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

What article addresses the exception for sump pumps?

 

[iwire]

What article addresses the exception for sump pumps?

Right now a sump pump in a basement could meet the requirements of this 210.8(A)(5) Exception 2.

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.

(5) Unfinished basements ? for purposes of this section, unfinished basements are defined as portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and the like

Exception No. 2: A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug connected in accordance with 400.7(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8).

If that sump pump is in a crawl space there are no exceptions.