For the inspector to cite an issue with 250.114, the loads would have to be present and plugged in at the time of the inspection. Just because a load that 250.114 requires a physical EGC, may be plugged in at some future time, it not enough to fail an inspection. For all practical purposes, 250.114 is totally unenforceable and should be removed from the code.
Thanks Don.
1) Certainly can't hurt to unplug the load before inspection, to try and remove cause for failure of 240.114.
If it still wont pass AHJ's "
interpretations of the rules" per 90.4, perhaps hide the refrigerator, laundry, and wall / window HVAC appliances.
2) One would think clearing furniture away from wall plugs to prove the "
Readily Accessible Location" would also help.
4) Holding to the letter of the law, many inspectors also fail this for missing "
No Equipment Ground" stickers along with "
GFCI Protected" stickers.
There never is enough stickers in the box, which are easily removed after installation, and found missing during inspection.
5) Other inspectors red tag after using hand-held GFCI testers that fail to trip, rather than relying on device test buttons as listed.
If inspection departments volunteer a reason for the red tag, reconsidering approval is not likely, much less the folly of hand-held testers.
6) Never met a licensed shop that offers electronically-monitored outlet grounding with GFCI's, as currently specified in NFPA-70 406.4(D)(2), nor met an inspector familiar with any 2 of 7 points here. They all prefer remodel wiring with new grounding.
7) Not aware of any 6mA Class-2 GFCI's device listed for "
Life Support Equipment" This equipment is specifically excluded in the listing.
Over the counter CPAP machines are now critical to shelter-in-place Covid-19 pre treatment, before ventilators are required,
GFCI protecting old 2-wire cables as a minor replacement is a different story. There is substantial difference between new work and minor repair.
For new work renovations, licensed operators avoid taking on open permits. Client-enforced contracts are known to refuse change orders for the unforeseen complications. Expert rough-in contractors, and panel flippers minimize exposure to existing, DIY, remodel wiring, and Multi-Wire Branch Circuits (MWBC). Lacking such exposure, most understandably cant get reset-button safety devices to work on old wiring, much less 1-Pole AFCI breakers on MWBC's.
For minor repair, loose plug(s) where the service-call minimum might already cover the extra labor needed to locate the breaker or 1st outlet, clients are buying the extra safety device. Given the choice, few are refusing a $50+ A/GFCI breaker to protect switched outlets, or 2-wire cables, if avoiding the prospect of all plugs with $30+ reset buttons buried behind furniture. If not explained, people never know how simple repairs risk casualty and property.
When my health fades, or people lose interest in this market niche, or "Alway Under $500" quote enforced by my State's unlicensed minor work exception, NoFixNoPay can always stop advertising it, and join the unlimited fraternity of State-licenses, with helpers, and corporate structures.
