UL 943 Self-Test GFCI Change

[BHill]

Beginning in June, manufacturers will no longer be able to have GFCIs UL listed without the self-testing feature according to the change in UL 943. After talking with a few people in the industry, I am getting the impression that the NEC will not be adopting this requirement for at least a few years. Regardless of when the NEC adopts this, will all manufacturers be switching over to the self-test versions, or is it likely that some will drop their UL listings and keep making the current GFCIs until the code catches up to the UL standard?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I don't see any reason for a code change. The device is still a GFCI and will satisfy all of the code rules that require GFCI protection.
It is my opinion that details like the "self-test" feature do not belong in the NEC. Those types of details should only be found in the product standard.

As far as the UL listing, I would never even think of installing a life safety device that was not listed.

 

[GoldDigger]

I don't see any reason for a code change. The device is still a GFCI and will satisfy all of the code rules that require GFCI protection.
It is my opinion that details like the "self-test" feature do not belong in the NEC. Those types of details should only be found in the product standard.

As far as the UL listing, I would never even think of installing a life safety device that was not listed.

If the NEC requirements do not change, all that means to me is that UL listed devices manufactured before the UL change can still be installed not that unlisted new devices manufactured after the change can be used.
JMO.

 

[BHill]

Thanks for the reply - that makes sense that features such as that would not go in the code. I guess now I am wondering if in the future, despite the NEC not including that requirement, will it still be possible to purchase a GFCI listed by a different organization that does not include the self-test feature?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Thanks for the reply - that makes sense that features such as that would not go in the code. I guess now I am wondering if in the future, despite the NEC not including that requirement, will it still be possible to purchase a GFCI listed by a different organization that does not include the self-test feature?

No matter what agency lists the device, it is still listed to the same standard.

 

[kwired]

There have been listing standards changes in the past on GFCI's and non of those ever was mentioned in NEC.

Some of the same type of thing has happend for some other items as well - like when they decided standard EMT compression fittings were not rain tight though we had been using them for years that way. Nothing in NEC specifies they must be the newer type, but the fact is the old type are no longer listed for applications that require raintightness, so the violation is not a chapter 3 issue but rather a 110.(3)(B) listing and labeling issue.