Water Coolers

[marissa2]

Two questions, #1 Is there an OSHA spec as to how far from an outlet a water cooler must be?, and #2 if so how would you plug in the cooler? An OSHA inspector just told someone there water cooler was too close to an outlet.
Lou

 

[chris kennedy]

Are you talking about a drinking fountain? If so why isn't the rec. behind it?

 

[roger]

Ask the OSHA inspector to cite the violation by code, article, and section.

Roger

 

[cadpoint]

Two questions, #1 Is there an OSHA spec as to how far from an outlet a water cooler must be?, and #2 if so how would you plug in the cooler? An OSHA inspector just told someone there water cooler was too close to an outlet.
Lou

Depends on the spec'd Water fountain. In modest modern installtions the Recp. is under and within the fountain struture itself, thus requiring you
To RFI the information, if not in the Spec. book of the Job.
If its a general hallway recp. that close to fountain tough call
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/electricalcontractors/index.html
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/searchresults.category?p_title=&p_text=devices
Receptacles
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owares.do_search?p_doc_type=STANDARDS&p_search_type=StandTextPolicy&p_search_str=Receptacles

Chris you just wanted to answer to post your countdown

 

[chris kennedy]

Chris you just wanted to answer to post your countdown

One foot out the door my friend.

 

[marissa2]

Chris
I don't know the full story, I am still getting the information, but it sounds like the cooler is in the hallway and there is a general purpose receptacle
near by. I am still trying to get more on it. Also have a good vacation.
Lou

 

[marissa2]

I talked to the person that talked to the OSHA inspector, he told me that it was an outlet in the hallway that was too close to the cooler and he wanted that receptacle replaced with a GFCI type. So to keep him happy they repalced it.
Lou

 

[raider1]

I agree with Roger,

Have the OSHA inspector cite a code article and section that requires a receptacle near a water cooler to be GFCI protected. The general GFCI requirements for non dwelling units is 210.8(B).

Chris

 

[infinity]

I agree with Roger,

Have the OSHA inspector cite a code article and section that requires a receptacle near a water cooler to be GFCI protected. The general GFCI requirements for non dwelling units is 210.8(B).

Chris

The whole concept is rather silly since even the receptacle feeding the power to the water fountain doesn't require GFCI protection.

 

[marissa2]

It is silly but to keep him happy, they replaced it anyone. Just look how many electrical inspectors have ther own ideas.
Lou

 

[raider1]

The whole concept is rather silly since even the receptacle feeding the power to the water fountain doesn't require GFCI protection.

Agreed

Just look how many electrical inspectors have ther own ideas.

I have a lot of my own ideas, but if it isn't a code requirement then I don't cite it.

Chris