GFI protection required for direct-connected hydraunic unit heater?

[malachi constant]

The inspector flagged a unit heater that was relocated near a mop sink as needing a GFI connection. As far as I know this is a direct-connected (i.e. whip connected, no plug) piece of equipment. NEC 210.8(B) (GFI protection in other than dwelling units) only applies to receptacles, not direct connections, right? Is there anything elsewhere in the code that would necessitate this being GFI protected?

And if I am wrong and it is a receptacle connection, there is nothing in the code that says being significantly above the mop sink waives the GFI requirement, right? A sink is a sink, doesn't matter what kind of sink, doesn't matter how far above it you are. Right?

Probably not going to fight the inspector over $200, but I always prefer to know what the facts are. Thanks!

 

[raider1]

If the unit heater is hardwired then there is no NEC section that would require GFCI protection.

If it is cord and plug connected then the receptacle would need to be GFCI protected if it was within 6' of the edge of the sink. Since you mentioned a mop sink if the receptacle was above the sink more than 6' then you would not need GFCI protection.

I would ask the inspector for a code reference and clarification.

Chris

 

[qcroanoke]

The inspector flagged a unit heater that was relocated near a mop sink as needing a GFI connection. As far as I know this is a direct-connected (i.e. whip connected, no plug) piece of equipment. NEC 210.8(B) (GFI protection in other than dwelling units) only applies to receptacles, not direct connections, right? Is there anything elsewhere in the code that would necessitate this being GFI protected?

And if I am wrong and it is a receptacle connection, there is nothing in the code that says being significantly above the mop sink waives the GFI requirement, right? A sink is a sink, doesn't matter what kind of sink, doesn't matter how far above it you are. Right?

Probably not going to fight the inspector over $200, but I always prefer to know what the facts are. Thanks!

I would ask for chapter and verse. I most of the time will not argue with an inspector but there is nothing in the NEC (that I have seen) that requires GFI protection for fixed electric space heating unit. Near a sink or anywhere else.

 

[malachi constant]

Thanks all. Doing a punch tomorrow, I will review conditions at that time and may follow up with inspector if as a team we think it's worth fighting. Got to know when to pick your battles.

 

[kwired]

If the unit is cord and plug connected it still doesn't require GFCI protection if the cord and plug is anything other than 15 or 20 amp/125 volts.

You are correct 210.8(B) is the code section that applies and this installation does not fit the requirements that require protection. There are other instances in chapter 5 and 6 that will call for GFCI protection but I don't believe you have any of those conditions either. Couple examples are GFCI's required for some receptacles in commercial garages, as well as near swimming pools, fountains, other bodies of water. A sink is not one of those bodies of water.