Outdoor Outlets 210.8 (F)

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Rick 0920

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Could an air conditioning disconnect be considered by NEC definition as an outlet? If so, I guess we are going to start having 2 pole GFCI breakers protecting our AC units! I hope someone can stop the bleeding with the material manufacturers' influence over the CMP's.
 
Could an air conditioning disconnect be considered by NEC definition as an outlet? If so, I guess we are going to start having 2 pole GFCI breakers protecting our AC units! I hope someone can stop the bleeding with the material manufacturers' influence over the CMP's.
If you can't plug something into it, it's not an outlet, IMO.
 
If the equipment is functional, it is connected to some type of outlet. There is debate on exactly where that outlet is located for an AC unit, but that has no impact on the GFCI requirement. It is my opinion, that for the AC equipment, the outlet is where the the branch circuit conductors connect to the terminal block in the AC unit.
 
If you can't plug something into it, it's not an outlet, IMO.
So the box for a light fixture is not an outlet? Look at definitions for outlet
Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. (CMP-1)
Receptacle Outlet. An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.
Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire
Premises Wiring (System). Interior and exterior wiring, including power, lighting, control, and signal circuit wiring together with all their associated hardware, fittings, and wiring devices, both permanently and temporarily installed. This includes (a) wiring from the service point or power source to the outlets or (b) wiring from and including the power source to the outlets where there is no service point. Such wiring does not include wiring internal to appliances, luminaires, motors, controllers, motor control centers, and similar equipment. (CMP-1)

It seems to me that an outlets is determined during the rough-in process prior to installation of equipment or devices
....ll It is my opinion, that for the AC equipment, the outlet is where the the branch circuit conductors connect to the terminal block in the AC unit.

In light of the last definition I don't agree with Don that the outlet point is the termination inside the AC unit. If the AC unit was not present or ever installed and you prewired for an AC do you still have an outlet for the AC? I say you do based on the definition. Or conversely, would you include the whip that would extend to the AC unit during the prewire process and leave it hanging out for the potential AC installation? Most wouldn't.
 
Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. (CMP-1)
Receptacle Outlet. An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.
Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire
Premises Wiring (System). Interior and exterior wiring, including power, lighting, control, and signal circuit wiring together with all their associated hardware, fittings, and wiring devices, both permanently and temporarily installed. This includes (a) wiring from the service point or power source to the outlets or (b) wiring from and including the power source to the outlets where there is no service point. Such wiring does not include wiring internal to appliances, luminaires, motors, controllers, motor control centers, and similar equipment. (CMP-1)

It seems to me that an outlets is determined during the rough-in process prior to installation of equipment or devices


In light of the last definition I don't agree with Don that the outlet point is the termination inside the AC unit. If the AC unit was not present or ever installed and you prewired for an AC do you still have an outlet for the AC? I say you do based on the definition. Or conversely, would you include the whip that would extend to the AC unit during the prewire process and leave it hanging out for the potential AC installation? Most wouldn't.
Reading the definitions that you posted, I'd say Don's interpretation is correct.
 
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