GFCI protection in Firehouse bays

[102 Inspector]

2008 Edition NEC says all recpts. in commercial garage need to be GFCI. They are building a new fire house and I am curious on how most would classify the truck bay. Would you say it needs to comply with 511 or not since there is no "repair" work. We all know that some repairs or maintenace will be performed, but I want to have a good arguement when I tell them to protect other than liability. Nothing in the spec sheet other than "code Compliant installation". Thanks

 

[renosteinke]

IMO, there is no way a firehouse truck bay can be called a 'commercial garage.' While I might have a different opinion for an area set up specifically for maintenance, that's not the usual situation.

If anything, I'd look at the requirements for 'electric vehicle charging stations,' or the new-fangled truck-stop 'portals.' That's what you're doing in those bays: keeping everything plugged in and ready to roll.

I doubt you'll ever spill gasoline in there, but you're sure to see plenty of mud, water, etc. With that in mind, I'd want GFCI's all around, and even some weather covers in some places.

"Code compliant installation." Gee willikers. OK, do just that ... have NO receptacles at all. They're not code-required for non-residential garages. I'm not even sure lights are required. They want you to do their design work, bill them for it.

 

[PEDRO ESCOVILLA]

commercial garage, i think they are talking about a "repair garage", but , yeah they probably need to be gfci protected if they are in the truck bay (we're still in the '08, so.....)

 

[don_resqcapt19]

If it is a volunteer fire department I would classify it as a repair garage. They often do extensive work on their equipment in the bays. Even if it is a full time fire department, almost any use of the receptacles would be work covered by OSHA rules that would require the use of GFCI protection.

As far as spilling gas, that is not uncommon when the power rescue equipment or gas powered vent fans are returned to service. Sure that should not be done in the truck bays, but when you come back from a call in the middle of a cold winter night, that is what happens in many cases.

 

[hillbilly1]

I would think it would also be a wet location, as they probably wash down the trucks in there during the winter.

 

[iMuse97]

I think it would be classified (as far as actual usage of the facility) as a commercial garage. There is no way it could be classified as a residential garage .

As to the wet location: yes. Put gfci recepts. in bell boxes arranged to drain (ie. drill a weep hole). I put in use wp covers on them too.

 

[iMuse97]

but I want to have a good argument when I tell them to protect other than liability

Sounds like a good reason all by itself. You could add: "firefighter electrocution hazard."

 

[charlie b]

2008 Edition NEC says all recpts. in commercial garage need to be GFCI.

It is worth noting that that is not stated in 210.8. You don't see that requirement in the 2008 NEC until you get to 511.12. You don't get to read 511.12 until you get past the scope description in 511.1. What this question boils down to is this: Will the area in question be used to service gasoline powered vehicles?

We all know that some repairs or maintenace will be performed. . . .

And that is the answer to the question, and the basis any inspector could use for requiring GFCI protection for all receptacles in that area.

It is also worth noting that the 2011 NEC makes the intent even clearer. The requirement has been added to 210.8, and that requirement does not speak of commercial garages. Any areas that fall under "garages, service bays, and similar areas" would require GFCI protection for receptacles, if test equipment, hand tools, or portable lighting would be used in that area.

 

[SeaBee]

Lets take this a step further. Ceiling mounted cord reels that are dedicated for shore power for rescue vehicles (ambulance) . Also note that these rescue vehicles have a GFCI within their power compartment (ship power). So if a GFCi is installed on a dedicated branch circuit for a cord reel to serve a rescue vehicle than a nuisance tripping occurs. This is a fact and has occurred in several stations here. These cord reels provide power to the emergency vechicles to maintain required power to onboard electronics and/or cabin temperature. I can see receptacles mounted along the walls to be GFCI portected, and that is just common sense as well as required by NEC requirements? So what is the answer? These engine bays serve as an area to protect these vechicles from the elements and to stand at the ready for emergency calls.