Heat pump/AC compressor gfci protection

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DaveN

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Location
Illinois
Occupation
Electrical contractor
It's been since earlier this year that there's been any conversation that I can find regarding this subject. I am wondering if anybody can provide any update on the nuisance tripping on "non- variable speed Drive" condensing units. I know that there is a TIA to pause implementation of the new code requirement until 2026, this is more of a practical question if anybody is having issues. My question is in regards to your basic "dumb" condensing unit, not a split system frequency drive system that seems to be causing all of the nuisance trips. I have a situation where there is a condenser getting replaced and it is located in the vicinity of an outdoor shower that gets used when people come in from swimming in the river. There is a decent amount of distance away from the condenser, but it is located on a common concrete slab where people would travel past, possibly barefoot, to enter the home, while they still could be dripping wet and could come in contact with the condenser. The shower has been there for years and there's never been an issue, but I would like to make sure that the new outdoor unit has GFCI protection.

Any information would be appreciated. I do not want to create a nuisance tripping issue, but I also want to provide the best protection possible.
 
It's been since earlier this year that there's been any conversation that I can find regarding this subject. I am wondering if anybody can provide any update on the nuisance tripping on "non- variable speed Drive" condensing units. I know that there is a TIA to pause implementation of the new code requirement until 2026, this is more of a practical question if anybody is having issues. My question is in regards to your basic "dumb" condensing unit, not a split system frequency drive system that seems to be causing all of the nuisance trips. I have a situation where there is a condenser getting replaced and it is located in the vicinity of an outdoor shower that gets used when people come in from swimming in the river. There is a decent amount of distance away from the condenser, but it is located on a common concrete slab where people would travel past, possibly barefoot, to enter the home, while they still could be dripping wet and could come in contact with the condenser. The shower has been there for years and there's never been an issue, but I would like to make sure that the new outdoor unit has GFCI protection.

Any information would be appreciated. I do not want to create a nuisance tripping issue, but I also want to provide the best protection possible.

In my opinion, you have to weigh your exposure to liability. I will not do work for a HOA because you are dealing with a committee of homeowners, that have case law, that strongly support their decisions. Likewise, you have exposure to a type of installation that has not been resolved by the NEC.
 
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