GFI receptacle readily accessible in Baltimore?

[hillbilly1]

Just looked at a job where the inspector required gfi breakers instead of allowing receptacles because he considered moving a countertop microwave to reset the receptacle “not readily accessible” Guess the job is too close to DC! LOL! Talk about taking it too far!

 

[K8MHZ]

Just looked at a job where the inspector required gfi breakers instead of allowing receptacles because he considered moving a countertop microwave to reset the receptacle “not readily accessible” Guess the job is too close to DC! LOL! Talk about taking it too far!

Going by the NEC definition, I agree with the inspector. Moving a microwave is moving an obstacle.

 

[retirede]

How often are countertop appliances present during final?
Never in the case of new construction, rarely for remodels.
Or does the inspector just pick a spot and decide that’s where the microwave will be placed?

 

[Rock86]

Hmm... I'm curious. If it is a counter top receptacle, then no kitchen could pass inspection based on the above thought. You could have a toaster oven or mixing machine in the way of a GFCI receptacle just as easily as a microwave. Unless of course the microwave is fastened in place, I'm not sure I agree with the inspector. Could the microwave be kicked off the side far enough to expose the receptacle in question?

 

[rc/retired]

With that logic, you couldn't install a GFI receptacle anywhere.
Inspector needs to back off.

 

[synchro]

Just looked at a job where the inspector required gfi breakers instead of allowing receptacles because he considered moving a countertop microwave to reset the receptacle “not readily accessible”

The article 100 definition of Readily Accessible says "Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth."

Notice that the word "remove" was chosen for the definition and not the more broadly applicable word "move". To remove the microwave from the countertop would be to take it off and place it somewhere else. If the microwave can be shifted to allow access to the receptacle and still remain on the counter then it has not been removed.

Also, it sounds very likely that the GFCI receptacle is more "Capable of being reached quickly", reset, and put in operation in much less time than going to a breaker in a panel to do so.

 

[hillbilly1]

The article 100 definition of Readily Accessible says "Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth."

Notice that the word "remove" was chosen for the definition and not the more broadly applicable word "move". To remove the microwave from the countertop would be to take it off and place it somewhere else. If the microwave can be shifted to allow access to the receptacle and still remain on the counter then it has not been removed.

Also, it sounds very likely that the GFCI receptacle is more "Capable of being reached quickly", reset, and put in operation in much less time than going to a breaker in a panel to do so.

Yeah, these could easily be slid over to access the receptacles! Gives inspectors a bad name when they are that nit picky. A paper towel holder sitting front of an outlet would have met his definition of “inaccessible” LOL!

 

[retirede]

Yeah, these could easily be slid over to access the receptacles! Gives inspectors a bad name when they are that nit picky. A paper towel holder sitting front of an outlet would have met his definition of “inaccessible” LOL!

Hey, have you been in my kitchen?!

 

[jim dungar]

Hey, have you been in my kitchen?!

It's good your plug is in the bottom location, otherwise it would be blocking the reset button and thus be in violation also.

 

[jusme123]

Going by the NEC definition, I agree with the inspector. Moving a microwave is moving an obstacle.

So is moving a flower vase

 

[retirede]

It's good your plug is in the bottom location, otherwise it would be blocking the reset button and thus be in violation also.

It does block the test button. I’ll tell the wife she has to unplug her fitness tracker charger ever 30 days so I can test the receptacle!

 

[electrofelon]

Hey, have you been in my kitchen?!

You are a very horrible person. I would think about the danger you have subjected you and your family too......

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Is the microwave in a box built for it or is it sitting on the counter? If it is on the counter then the inspector is wrong otherwise I agree with him.

 

[K8MHZ]

After reading closely, I have changed my mind. The keyword, as mentioned, is removing, not moving. Therefore I now feel the inspector is incorrect.

 

[hillbilly1]

Is the microwave in a box built for it or is it sitting on the counter? If it is on the counter then the inspector is wrong otherwise I agree with him.

Standard kitchen countertop in employee breakroom. Not even a commercial grade microwave.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Standard kitchen countertop in employee breakroom. Not even a commercial grade microwave.

Then the inspector is being ridiculous.