Section 210.8(F) of the 2020 NEC

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GFCI breaker is tripping on an outdoor condensing unit which uses inverter technology.

The outdoor condensing unit is supplied with 240V. Does 210.8(F) apply? Is a GFCI breaker required?
 
Dennis Alwon

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I will add that many areas have amendments because they are finding issues with the gfci and a/c units especially mini splits.
 
Bill Snyder

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210.8(F) does not cover A/C units because they are not defined as such per the language of 440.3 and 422 an A/C unit is an appliance and not mentioned as requiring class A protection per 210.8(D) which covers ALL OUTLETS (CMP-2)
 
infinity

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From Mike Holt:

ecm_code_basics_0220_2.5e4f086274f22.png
 
tom baker

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It’s very clear from Mikes graphic that GFCI protection is required. 210.8 F is a general requirement and does not need to list every type of utilization equipment
 
kwired

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Bill Snyder said:
210.8(F) does not cover A/C units because they are not defined as such per the language of 440.3 and 422 an A/C unit is an appliance and not mentioned as requiring class A protection per 210.8(D) which covers ALL OUTLETS (CMP-2)
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210.8(F) says "all outdoor outlets". Doesn't matter if you want to call it an appliance or a 440 AC unit, both have an "outlet".
 
Bill Snyder

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tom baker said:
It’s very clear from Mikes graphic that GFCI protection is required. 210.8 F is a general requirement and does not need to list every type of utilization equipment
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The State of Colorado electrical board does on 210.8(F) does not enforce the use of class A GFCI protection due to the change in language for 2023.
 
kwired

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Bill Snyder said:
The A/C unit can not act as the outlet and the utilization equipment it serves simultaneously.
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See art 100 definition of "outlet". There is an outlet. It might not be all that well defined just exactly where it is but there is an outlet for all utilization equipment. Most will say if anything the outlet is at the point where premises wiring ends and utilization equipment wiring begins with this sort of permanently connected utilization equipment.
 
Bill Snyder

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questioner said:
GFCI breaker is tripping on an outdoor condensing unit which uses inverter technology.

The outdoor condensing unit is supplied with 240V. Does 210.8(F) apply? Is a GFCI breaker required?
Click to expand...
If CMP-2 wanted 210.8(F) to include A/C units (HVAC Equipment) they would have added it to the language of 210.8(D) because in 2023 that reference covers all outlets unless referenced specifically. Additionally A/C equipment is referenced in 440.3 and 422 with no mention of 210.8(F).
 
Bill Snyder

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kwired said:
See art 100 definition of "outlet". There is an outlet. It might not be all that well defined just exactly where it is but there is an outlet for all utilization equipment. Most will say if anything the outlet is at the point where premises wiring ends and utilization equipment wiring begins with this sort of permanently connected utilization equipment.
Click to expand...
If that was true the cord termination of a dryer would require GFCI protection in a laundry area and it does not. Only the receptacle outlet requires GFCI protection.
 
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