Scoreboard Receptacles

[augie47]

We have a scoreboard mounted 12' above ground outdoors. There are individual units each powered by a 120v receptacles. Is there any reason those receptacles would not be required to be GFCI based on 210.8(B)(4) ?

 

[roger]

IMO they would be required to be GFCI protected. Might be an oversite though.

 

[mtnelect]

Since the reasoning for having GFCI protected receptacles in a residential garage, is to protect someone plugging in an extension cord, and going outside with it. The NEC says if accessible from the ground. Is the scoreboard accessible from the ground ?

 

[roger]

Since the reasoning for having GFCI protected receptacles in a residential garage, is to protect someone plugging in an extension cord, and going outside with it. The NEC says if accessible from the ground. Is the scoreboard accessible from the ground ?

Read 210.8(B) and show us where the term "from the ground" is used.

 

[mtnelect]

See Article 100 - Definitions Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible).

This is an older 1999 NEC code, and code sections might not be the same for newer codes.

 

[roger]

See Article 100 - Definitions Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible).

This is an older 1999 NEC code, and code sections might not be the same for newer codes.

Of course they're not the same, not to mention the file you posted is simply someones opinion, not code words. If you are going to quote something to substantiate your stance it needs to be a current NEC

 

[zbang]

From 2017-
Accessible (as applied to equipment). Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means.

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). 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.

210.8(B)(4) kinda says they're required since scoreboards/signs are not part of either exception.

Is the scoreboard an appliance? Probably not- 422.5(A) doesn't mention scoreboards/signs and they don't fit with the definition of appliance.

OTOH 600 (Signs) probably does cover them (and GFCIs are not mentioned as an exception).

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Those receptacles are outside and require GFCI protection, but it would be my opinion that the parent text in 210.8 would prohibit the receptacles themselves from providing the required GFCI protection.

 

[Sberry]

Recepts mean cord and plug? Could plug other tools in to it?

 

[mtnelect]

Those receptacles are outside and require GFCI protection, but it would be my opinion that the parent text in 210.8 would prohibit the receptacles themselves from providing the required GFCI protection.

I think the requirement for GFCI protection is only for portable/mobile signs and must be provided by the manufacturer.

 

[kwired]

See Article 100 - Definitions Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible).

This is an older 1999 NEC code, and code sections might not be the same for newer codes.

1999 NEC did not have nearly as many GFCI requirements for non dwelling applications as more recent editions do. From recollection mostly just rooftop receptacles and temporary power applications were most of what was needing GFCI for outdoors back then. 2005 and every edition after kept adding more to the requirements though.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I think the requirement for GFCI protection is only for portable/mobile signs and must be provided by the manufacturer.

210.8(B)(3) Outdoors

 

[mtnelect]

NEC 1993, Section 210-8(3) "For the purpose of this section, "direct grade level access" is defined as being located not more than 6 feet, 6 inches (1.98 m) above grade level and beng readily accessible. I believe that's where I got it in my head as requiring it to be accessible from the ground level.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

NEC 1993, Section 210-8(3) "For the purpose of this section, "direct grade level access" is defined as being located not more than 6 feet, 6 inches (1.98 m) above grade level and beng readily accessible. I believe that's where I got it in my head as requiring it to be accessible from the ground level.

I am not aware of any area that is still using the 1993 code.

The parent text in 210.8 has required that the GFCI device be installed in a readily accessible location since the 2011 code.

 

[mtnelect]

I am not aware of any area that is still using the 1993 code.

The parent text in 210.8 has required that the GFCI device be installed in a readily accessible location since the 2011 code.

I guess I can say that it has certainly evolved since then. But the basic concept is still the same. As we study codes on this forum, historical changes to the code, I think is still important to understanding the meaning of the code.

 

[mtnelect]

We have a scoreboard mounted 12' above ground outdoors. There are individual units each powered by a 120v receptacles. Is there any reason those receptacles would not be required to be GFCI based on 210.8(B)(4) ?

Is 12 feet above ground "Readily Accessible" ?

 

[Sberry]

It seems to me the recept part of it makes it required, be different if it was hard wired.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Is 12 feet above ground "Readily Accessible" ?

The receptacle does not have to be readily accessible, only the GFCI device that protects the receptacle has to be readily accessible.

 

[mtnelect]

Augie47 We have a scoreboard mounted 12' above ground outdoors. There are individual units each powered by a 120v receptacles. Is there any reason those receptacles would not be required to be GFCI based on 210.8(B)(4) ?

In Section 600, they only require GFCI protection for Mobile and Portable signs from the manufacturer. If this sign is 12 feet above the ground, I don't think it is mobile or portable.

 

[mtnelect]

210.8(B)(3) Outdoors

That Section 210.8(B)(3) refers to Rooftops.