Ice Cream Parlor - GFCI Requirements

[bphgravity]

I have a elderly care living facility (ALF) that has complete dining and kitchen services. The building also has an ice cream parlor for residents and guests. The room will have cord-and-plug connected coolers, freezers, ice-cream machines and a few counter top appliances.

The room does appear to meet the definition of "commerical and institutional kitchens" per the 2005 NEC. Florida is on the 2002.

Would this room meet the requirements of 210.8(B)?

 

[charlie b]

Re: Ice Cream Parlor - GFCI Requirements

If you are on the construction side of this project, and if you wish to avoid installing GFCI receptacles, I think you could justify your viewpoint. IMHO, taking ice cream out of a carton (or even a soft-serve machine) and adding toppings does not constitute "food preparation." You could also make the case that plug and cord connected appliances are not "permanent," unless they are secured in place or unless they are so heavy that they will not be easily moved.

However, if you are on the inspection side of this project (and my guess is that you are), and if you wish to compel the builder to install GFCI receptacles, I believe it would not be overreaching your authority to do so. The 2002 NEC just says that receptacles in non-dwelling unit kitchens shall have GFCI. You could call that room a "kitchen," and any argument to the contrary would have no greater weight than that of an opinion. I will add that WA State would certainly call the Ice Cream Parlor a "kitchen" so there would be no room for discussion.

 

[pierre]

Re: Ice Cream Parlor - GFCI Requirements

JMHO, remember, my opinion...
Even though you are referencing the 2002 NEC, there is some guidance in looking "into the future" with regards to the fact the 2005 NEC has been published.

210.8(B)(2) defines a kitchen, which has a sink and permanent provisions for cooking as two of the requirements to qualify what "makes" a kitchen.

So, this would not be a kitchen.
Does this mean that I would not suggest GFCI protection... for litigation reasons at the least, I would suggest GFCIs

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Ice Cream Parlor - GFCI Requirements

There is a sink and they will be serving coffee, maybe even pastries. I don't know if they will be baking the goods there. It will be a full service ice cream parlor.

The prints nor any of the specifications show gfci protection for these receptacle outlets however they do for the "real" kitchen area.

 

[jes25]

Re: Ice Cream Parlor - GFCI Requirements

I just did a small Ice cream shop and I decided not to install the GFCI. The inspector passed it but he didn't really look at anything either. :roll: (but thats a discussion for another thread). I was talking to a different inspector today that is requiring them for the cash registers in a fast food restraunt including that area as the kitchen. At least its cleared up in the 05

[ November 30, 2005, 09:02 PM: Message edited by: jes25 ]