GFCI protection on Central Air Conditioner

[RiverCityElectric]

Now that summer is winding down, how did GFCI's fare on Central Air Conditioners? Does it work, or is there problems with nuisance tripping?

Please share.

Thank you in advance,

Shawn

 

[tom baker]

On tripping, very many issues. Many states have exempted that rule.

 

[RiverCityElectric]

Is that right? That is good to know...Thank you for the info.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The following has been accepted as a TIA by CMP 2 and the Correlating Committee to modify 210.8(F). If the standards council also approves it, it will be issued as a TIA. However TIAs are not automatically effective in your area. They must be adopted using the same process that was used to adopt the 2020 NEC.

This requirement shall become effective on January 1, 2023 for mini-split-type heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and other HVAC units employing power conversion equipment as a means to control compressor speed.

Informational Note: Power conversion equipment is the term used to describe the components used in HVAC equipment that is commonly referred to as a variable speed drive. The use of power conversion equipment to control compressor speed differs from multistage
compressor speed control.

 

[RiverCityElectric]

Thanks Don..

 

[Poweranytime]

This was in the 2020 nec? Anything 150v to ground or less and up to 50 amps?

 

[RiverCityElectric]

Poweranytime,
Yes, it's in article 210.8(F) Outdoor Outlets.

It's a big nasty one in my humble opinion.

 

[Poweranytime]

So at branch circuit and feeder locations in the range of circuits this covers now you would have to have the GFI at the panel or bring a neutral to the disconnect where the equipment is so the GFCI breaker works properly. Sounds like they are gonna be selling a lot of 3 wire

 

[RiverCityElectric]

Yes, and they'll sell a ton more GFCI breakers as well. They're revenue generated from breaker sales will increase exponentially...And, us electrical contractors are the ones who get to bring these high-priced laws to the people.

 

[Poweranytime]

There should be a moratorium on code changes of this magnitude requiring more components at least until suppliers can catch up with demand

 

[retirede]

There should be a moratorium on code changes of this magnitude requiring more components at least until suppliers can catch up with demand

When the 2020 code was finalized, there wasn’t the supply/demand imbalance that exists today.

 

[Poweranytime]

A pause button. Supply was a problem before covid. Doesn't Nema have a heavy influence and lobby regarding NFPA

 

[Chamuit]

https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/pressrelease/2021-05-20%20NEC%20delay.pdf

 

[RiverCityElectric]

Thanks for the info Chamuit and others. Good for Texas. I'm wondering what has happened in Minnesota? I'm going to have to call the state to find out. After taking a few years off from the electrical trade I've been shocked by the huge changes that have happened. It feels like the trade has been taken hostage by material manufactures and government. I feel for the small people....If this continues, hiring electricians is going to be for the wealthy only. In my humble opinion.