Vending Machines & Gfci

[Dennis Alwon]

Am I correct in saying that a vending machine need not be fed with a gfci circuit if the vending machine has a gfci integral with the cord cap? Assume that the vending machines are not located in an area requiring a gfci, ie, outdoors. Also, this means the receptacle cannot be behind the machine

422.5(A) General.

Appliances identified in 422.5(A)(1) through (A)(7) rated 150 volts or less to ground and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase, shall be provided with Class A GFCI protection for personnel. Multiple Class A GFCI protective devices shall be permitted but shall not be required.

• (1)Automotive vacuum machines
• (2)Drinking water coolers and bottle fill stations
• (3)Cord-and-plug-connected high-pressure spray washing machines
• (4)Tire inflation machines
• (5)Vending machines
• (6)Sump pumps
• (7)Dishwashers

(B) Type and Location.
The GFCI shall be readily accessible, listed, and located in one or more of the following locations:

• (1)Within the branch-circuit overcurrent device
• (2)A device or outlet within the supply circuit
• (3)An integral part of the attachment plug
• (4)Within the supply cord not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the attachment plug
• (5)Factory installed within the appliance

 

[Little Bill]

I would say the receptacle could be behind the machine if the cord, or plug, could be reached without moving the machine.

 

[HEYDOG]

Am I correct in saying that a vending machine need not be fed with a gfci circuit if the vending machine has a gfci integral with the cord cap? Assume that the vending machines are not located in an area requiring a gfci, ie, outdoors. Also, this means the receptacle cannot be behind the machine

I agree with you. You can always come with what ifs though. I know a lot of the vending machines come with g.f.c.I. Built into the cords now. But my way of thinking is if that machine at some point gets replaced with another one that doesn’t have it built into the cord then you have a vending machine with know g.f.c.I. Protection. If this was a new install I would probably g.f.c.I. It at the panel so that I am covered regardless. Just my thought!

 

[hillbilly1]

It appears that it would not be required if the machine is already equipped with one, but an inspector would say “what if the machine is replaced by one without that protection”

 

[hillbilly1]

I agree with you. You can always come with what ifs though. I know a lot of the vending machines come with g.f.c.I. Built into the cords now. But my way of thinking is if that machine at some point gets replaced with another one that doesn’t have it built into the cord then you have a vending machine with know g.f.c.I. Protection. If this was a new install I would probably g.f.c.I. It at the panel so that I am covered regardless. Just my thought!

You beat me to it!

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I agree with you. You can always come with what ifs though. I know a lot of the vending machines come with g.f.c.I. Built into the cords now. But my way of thinking is if that machine at some point gets replaced with another one that doesn’t have it built into the cord then you have a vending machine with know g.f.c.I. Protection. If this was a new install I would probably g.f.c.I. It at the panel so that I am covered regardless. Just my thought!

That is exactly why 210.8(D) was changed and expanded in the 2023 code.

(D) Specific Appliances.
GFCI protection shall be provided for the branch circuit or outlet supplying the following appliances rated 150 volts or less to ground and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase:

• (1) Automotive vacuum machines
• (2) Drinking water coolers and bottle fill stations
• (3) High-pressure spray washing machines
• (4) Tire inflation machines
• (5) Vending machines
• (6) Sump pumps
• (7) Dishwashers
• (8) Electric ranges
• (9) Wall-mounted ovens
• (10) Counter-mounted cooking units
• (11) Clothes dryers
• (12) Microwave ovens

 

[GeorgeB]

2023 code said, in part;

• (6) Sump pumps

Devils advocate here ... my previous home had a plug-in 115V "lift pump" for the (below sewer line level) bathroom (tub, toilet, lav) drains. The receptacle, pump, and tank were in the crawl space behind a bathroom wall. It was not GFCI protected (likely code 1995 timeframe). It was on an its own branch circuit, 15A breaker.

The bath had a GFCI receptacle for the counter. Bath light shared that circuit.

Would it be in the 2023?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

2023 code said, in part;

• (6) Sump pumps

Devils advocate here ... my previous home had a plug-in 115V "lift pump" for the (below sewer line level) bathroom (tub, toilet, lav) drains. The receptacle, pump, and tank were in the crawl space behind a bathroom wall. It was not GFCI protected (likely code 1995 timeframe). It was on an its own branch circuit, 15A breaker.

The bath had a GFCI receptacle for the counter. Bath light shared that circuit.

Would it be in the 2023?

You would have to look at the product standards to see of the lift pump is a special case of sump pump. If so, the GFCI rule would apply.

 

[jim dungar]

You would have to look at the product standards to see of the lift pump is a special case of sump pump. If so, the GFCI rule would apply.

I believe our state differentiates between sewage lift and sump pump installations.