GFCI requirements

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edt

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1 of 2 side-by-side water fountains installed outdoors were removed from service, now exposing a non-GFCI outlet.
The NEC did not require a GFCI outlet with the water fountain installed (cord and plug inaccessible).

Where as custodial services frequently use this, "new outlet" for vacuums and blowers, etc., I suggested a GFCI should now be installed, as the outlet is outdoors, accessible, within 6 ft. and very damp environment (approximately a foot away from adjacent fountain, and angle stop for same), and should also be protected with a receptacle cover.

The circuit breaker is not a GFCI. If anything at all, circuit should be least locked out/tagged out until water fountain is replaced.

A GFCI outlet doesn't cost that much! I think this is common sense. Just can't find the supporting code requirement. Any suggestions? Thank you.
 
If this outdoor receptacle was installed before the advent of GFCI's chances are they are they could be considered "grandfathered in". However, you have to approach this from the logical and life safety point of view. By today's standards it should be GFCI protected. If you can't convince them to make the change they are foolish and bear the brunt of any responsibility should a shock hazard occur.
 
Should the facility have any kind of safety audit whether it be by an insurance carrier, OSHA or internal safety committee looking at OSHA compliance, or other third party audit this likely will come up as a potential issue in any reports - whether it once was code compliant or not it is now a potential liability.
 
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