Ul 943

[mshields]

This standard now requires that GFCI receptacles have an "end of life" LED. Does anybody know when the UL standard was updated to include this requirement.

Also, does anybody other than Hubbell make the type of GFCI's that constantly monitor themselves? Any idea if this is something that either UL or the NEC will require in the future.

I know that's asking if any of you have a crystal ball. Yet, I've gotten alot of great input here on what to expect from the 08 NEC so I'm throwing it out there anyway.

Thanks alot,

Mike

 

[Mike03a3]

This standard now requires that GFCI receptacles have an "end of life" LED. Does anybody know when the UL standard was updated to include this requirement.

Also, does anybody other than Hubbell make the type of GFCI's that constantly monitor themselves? Any idea if this is something that either UL or the NEC will require in the future.

I believe that all new GFCIs constantly monitor themselves. However, the standard doesn't require an LED. IIRC, the standard give manufactures the choice of either:
1. Make the GFCI self-disabling when it fails self-test
-or-
2. Provide an audible or visual indicator.

Hubbell went for 2, but I think P&S took curtain number 1.

 

[mshields]

GFCI breakers

GFCI breakers

My Hubbell contact tells me that they do not need to be self testing. Although the question might be, if a visual signal indicates that's it's failed, how would it know that were it not being tested (of it's own accord - i.e. self testing).

Still, I do know that Hubbell makes a device that tests, I believe every 60 seconds but regardless, frequently and that this device is considerably more expensive than their ordinarty GFCI with the LED. Like from 15 bucks for the UL compliant LED type and 40 bucks for the fancy self dianostic capability.

Pass and Seymore just stops working huh. Isn't that what they've always done. Or do I understand that if the ground fault mechanism broke the receptacle would still function until you pressed the test button in which case, I would assume, you would not be able to reset it?

hmmmmmm

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Nieither device actully stops working on its own when the electronics can no longer provide GFCI protection. They both continue to provide power to the load. One gives you an LED that says the electronics has failed, the other will not reset after a manual test or power failure.
Don