GFCI protection for underground feeders in INUNDATION (flood), zones

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ratsso

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My local inspector called out a local code amendment that requires GFCI protection for my 100amp underground sub-feed from a meter main on a steel pole to a dwelling near the ocean. The trouble is, I can't find a supplier that has ever heard of any GFCI devices/equipment above 60amp.

Any help is appreciated.

Section 9-24

http://www.co.hawaii.hi.us/countycode/chapter09.pdf
 
I believe they mean ground fault protection for equipment not GFCI. The trip rate is different and they are available in larger sizes but probably not in residential breakers.


1. Services:
a. Location. Service equipment shall be located above the inundation level or shall be installed in water-tight enclosure, room, or vault, and shall be readily accessible in any case.
b. Ground Fault Protection. Ground fault protection shall be provided for all grounded wye electrical services.
2. Ground Fault Protection:
a. Approved ground fault circuit protection shall be provided for all feeder and branch circuits below or extending into inundation level.
Click to expand...
 
residential ground fault

residential ground fault

Thanks for the info. The senior electrical inspector told me that others have complied and the equipment is available. But he stopped short to say he didn't know the source. Any one else have any clues, please give it a try.

I don't know, maybe there's something out there like a small GF device with a contactor... .

Thanks
 
I assume this is the section the inspector is talking about.

2. Ground Fault Protection:
a. Approved ground fault circuit protection shall be provided for all feeder and branch circuits below or extending into inundation level.
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If that is the case this is not a GFCI requirement, this is a GFP requirement. (EDIT: now rereading it I am not so sure what they really want :?)

If you were to install GFCI protection I think you would always be going back for a tripped feeder.

Here are the NEC definitions of both.


Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). A device intended
for the protection of personnel that functions to deenergize
a circuit or portion thereof within an established
period of time when a current to ground exceeds the values
established for a Class A device.

FPN: Class A ground-fault circuit interrupters trip when
the current to ground is 6 mA or higher and do not trip
when the current to ground is less than 4 mA. For further
information, see UL 943, Standard for Ground-Fault Circuit
Interrupters.
Click to expand...

Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment. A system intended
to provide protection of equipment from damaging
line-to-ground fault currents by operating to cause a disconnecting
means to open all ungrounded conductors of the
faulted circuit. This protection is provided at current levels
less than those required to protect conductors from damage
through the operation of a supply circuit overcurrent device.
Click to expand...

Notice the parts I made red, people vs equipment.

GFP is less sensitive and often adjustable. Easy to get with larger breakers.

What brand and type panel is the circuit coming from?
 
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The feeder is coming from a standard 100-125amp meter main mounted on a 6" steel pole. The feeders would be ran in PVC to the house.

Thanks it..
 
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