NEC 2014 EDITION GFCI REPLACEMENTS

[brother]

I got my new 2014 NEC. Been reading about the gfcis etc... I know they started the 'replacement' upgrades with the 2011 NEC, but my question is, if the gfci is suppose to be in a readily accessible location, what about the replacements? Because some of the old locations would not be considered readily accessible. Are the AFCI receptacles the same way?

I see they did not define a 'laundry' area. Even though for some of us it would be basic common sense, I can see a debate brewing already over what is a 'laundry area' and how big is the area lol?

What of the kitchen dishwasher gfci requirement. That would not be considered readily accessible and if you try changing the breaker you might be dealing with shared neutrals. If you are just replacing the dishwasher are you required to have it on gfci protection installed then?

 

[GoldDigger]

I got my new 2014 NEC. Been reading about the gfcis etc... I know they started the 'replacement' upgrades with the 2011 NEC, but my question is, if the gfci is suppose to be in a readily accessible location, what about the replacements? Because some of the old locations would not be considered readily accessible. Are the AFCI receptacles the same way?

I see they did not define a 'laundry' area. Even though for some of us it would be basic common sense, I can see a debate brewing already over what is a 'laundry area' and how big is the area lol?

What of the kitchen dishwasher gfci requirement. That would not be considered readily accessible and if you try changing the breaker you might be dealing with shared neutrals. If you are just replacing the dishwasher are you required to have it on gfci protection installed then?

Listen to Mike Holt's video on 2014 GFCI changes for a good discussion of most of this.
My take is that:
1. If you are replacing an inaccessible non-gfci receptacle (or outlet) in a way that forces you to provide GFCI protection, then you will have to use a breaker or else power that receptacle via feed through from an accessible GFCI receptacle. Same for AFCI when you are required to upgrade.
2. Laundry area is discussed, and the consensus is that it would not include the entire garage, for example, but exactly where the dividing line falls will take some time for AHJs to decide on their interpretation. Maybe take a string and determine a six foot boundary from each thing that is clearly "laundry" in purpose? If it really is a room, then the interpretation becomes easy.
3. Replacing a dishwasher? No idea about that one if it is direct wired. If it is receptacle wired and you can use the old receptacle, I would not think that it would force upgrading.

 

[mwm1752]

EC are being forced to use new wiring methods in order to be compliant with NEC 2014. Not all changes IMHO are really necessary. Sadly the OP will have to adjust & send the cost along to the consumer. Another way is to get involved with code change & submit sensible Ideas -- better than complaining.