gfci non compliance.

[terryb]

First of all, thanks to Bryan Holland (Electrical Council of Florida) for your help Sir.
I am from the United Kingdom where the various building codes etc. are much stricter. I am a newly qualified Home Inspector in the state of Georgia.
My concern is particularly with gfci non code compliance. Bryan was good enough to confirm my suspicions that all kitchen countertop outlets needed gfci protection since 1996.
I inspect many houses built from 1998 through 2000, and find that only the outlets within 6 feet of water are protected.
I cannot understand why the city code inspectors are not picking this up at new construction, and wonder where the ultimate liability lies.
The same goes for whirlpools installed in the last couple of years (new construction) where no gfci protection is provided. I am confused.
Somebody please help me. Bryan !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thankyou

 

[terryb]

Re: gfci non compliance.

Thanks BRYAN HOLLAND for your help. I have posted another question which is driving me crazy.
Respect, and thankyou

 

[hurk27]

Re: gfci non compliance.

By Terry: The same goes for whirlpools installed in the last couple of years (new construction) where no GFCI protection is provided. I am confused.

If you have a code book read 680.70-74

I at one time thought that if they were hard wired they didn't need to be GFCI protected But 680.71 states all electrical components have to be GFCI protected.

I think your talking about whirlpool bath tubs which the NEC calls them hydromassage tub's

I'm not sure when it was put into the NEC but I know it was there in "99"

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: gfci non compliance.

terryb,
Just because the NEC required GFCIs starting with the 1996 edition, does not mean that that edition of the code was locally adopted at the time the buildings were built. The code is only "national" in name and must be locally adopted. Sometimes this local adoption is a number of years behind.
Don

 

[charlie b]

Re: gfci non compliance.

You should also realize, if you don't already know this, that a GFCI receptacle(with the well-known test and reset buttons) can provide GFCI protection for other receptacles downstream. So if you don't see a GFCI receptacle, that does not mean that the receptacles you do see are not GFCI protected. It takes a bit more investigation to verify one way or the other.

 

[terryb]

Re: gfci non compliance.

Thanks to don_resqcapt19 regarding your helpful comments regarding the adoption of national code.
I think my best option when putting together the home inspection report, is to simply advise the seller or buyer of the requirements at new construction, with a recommendation for upgrades to comply with the latest code if and when receptacles need replacement. I believe this is another code requirement anyway !!!

 

[bphgravity]

Re: gfci non compliance.

I agree that it is both dilligent and prudent to notify the homeowner of new technology or code requirements, especially those assoicated with life safety. I recall back when AFCI's first came into play that lawyers were filing suits against contrators for not notifying homeowners that this protection could be used in other areas and for other outlets even though not required by the current adopted code. I don't know whatever came of these lawsuits, but I'm sure it caused a few people some grief.

 

[hurk27]

Re: gfci non compliance.

Charlie Just a thought to throw in.
A GFCI receptacle is not listed to switch motor loads, but a blank face GFCI device is listed for motor loads. Go figure