GFCI in laboratories

[krk2003]

Hello. I just read over NEC History of GFCI Protection Requirements page and it was very informative. My question is with laboratories and what requirements there are under NEC for GFCI protection? Are laboratories specifically mentioned or is it assumed that the regs for bathrooms, kitchens, and wetbars would apply? Thanks!

Kurt

 

[ryan_618]

Re: GFCI in laboratories

There is nothing in the NEC that addresses GFCI protection in a laboratory. If the designe puts GFCI's on the print in the area, the installer will have to put them in, but it is not an NEC requirement.

 

[nosparks]

Re: GFCI in laboratories

Kurt, under the requirements of 210.8(B) of the NEC. The answer is no. Stepping outside the NEC for a moment, the question you need to be asking yourself is where or what type of Laboratory is it? Case in point: If in a hospital, under section 517.10(A)( If you have a Laboratory in a clinically related area, that is considered to be a wet location, by the governing body, (administration , safety officer, ect) then you would have to. The NEC and NFPA 99 make reference to this. NFPA 99 references the NCCLS standard ASI-5 power requirements for Lab instruments and Lab power sources. Most likely there is a standard for your location. Unfortunately I can't help you in finding it. Good Luck. Hope this helps.

 

[krk2003]

Re: GFCI in laboratories

Thanks for the responses! My facility is a medical school/research center in New York City. NYC recently adopted NEC 1999 and I am attempting to determine if GFCIs are required in my laboratories. If they are then are old labs grandfathered in and don't have to be retrofitted (unless they are renovated)?

 

[nosparks]

Re: GFCI in laboratories

Kurt, I am the electrical supervisor in a medical facility here just south of Boston. I look at it this way... they are cheap when it comes to the price of life. Set a standard. Say... any receptacle with in so many feet of a sink, or something like that. This way you can keep costs down without sacrificing safety. as far as grandfathering in old labs, well maybe a policy to replace through attrition of the old receptacles. Just another thought... Have you raised the question with your saftey officer or the commitee that oversees the enviornment of care? See what they have to say.

 

[krk2003]

Re: GFCI in laboratories

Nosparks, I am actually a safety officer researching this question for my facility. My boss wants the requirements first then we will set our standard. Thank you for your help!