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GFI requirements around sinks

GFI requirements around sinks

GFI requirements around sinks

(OP)
Before I begin, I should point out here, my firm is an real estate developer with an A/E staff.  The architects produce contract drawings, while the M/E staff simply works with the architects during the D/D phase to make sure proper space is allocated for equipment, and then produces a performance spec to be issued to subcontractors on a design/build basis.  We then do construction services (shop drawing review, etc.) for those same jobs.  

The performance spec talks about client-specific requirements and basic construction/installation methods that our firm prefers, but in essence it just says “follow the current edition of the NEC”.  The design and the liability is out of my hands, but I still need to go on record to point out any design deficiencies that I may find.  

Anyway, we got some comments back from the city inspector on some plans the subcontractor did for a food processing facility.  This particular area is more of an R & D division, with a lot of “laboratories” that are basically big kitchens.  One of the comments he made was to circle the biggest of the three labs with the comment “all 15-20A 120V ckts to be GFI”, as required.  He apparently didn’t see the key note we had in the margin indicating such.  On the same page, under the keynotes, he wrote “All outlets within 6 ft. of sink to be GFI”.  I assume he meant this note would apply to all areas, not just the kitchen.

My first thought was that this was a horribly outdated comment, since the code has made it clear since 1996 that all countertop/peninsula/island receptacles should be GFI, regardless of whether there is a sink installed in them or not, and that the 6 ft. rule now only applies to wet bars.   But I notice now that the "all counter top receps GFI" rule specifically applies to kitchens.  Article 100 specifically defines bathrooms and garages, but it does not define “kitchen”.

I fully agree with the inspector that outlets within 6 ft. of a sink should be GFI and the electrical sub will do it, so it’s not a problem on this job.  But my thoughts are that anything with a sink or a spigot, or anyplace that is prone to wet floors (unfinished basements, garages, rooftops) should have general purpose GFI receptacles within 6 ft. of the water source, and I think the code should be updated to reflect that, with room types only listed as examples, instead of saying “they’re required here, here, and here, but we didn’t say you had to put them here, so that means you can”.  

I will likely recommend that our master performance spec be updated to reflect this, but is there anything in the code to back me up on that regardless?  Like I said, it seems to only apply to wet bars, with further restrictions for kitchens and bathrooms.  Places like janitor’s closets, college chemistry labs, research labs, industrial process areas with sinks and floor drains throughout, are not specifically addressed as far as I can tell, which would indicate that someone could argue that they aren’t required there.  

RE: GFI requirements around sinks

"someone could argue that they aren’t required there."

That's right.  They are not required in many of the places you mention.  Might be a good idea for you to spec them, but certainly not required.

RE: GFI requirements around sinks

The NEC makes a distinction between dwelling units and "Other than dwelling units" when establishing requirements for GFI protection.

For "other than dwelling units", the 2002 NEC, Article 210.8 requires GFI protection in "Kitchens".  This section makes no distinction as to distance from sink, etc.

This is NOT the same as GFI requirements for dwelling units.  This is probably why the inspector made the comment despite your drawing note.  

It will come down to whether the space is a kitchen or not.  The inspector will generally get the last word.   

RE: GFI requirements around sinks

The NEC is a minimum standard and not a design guide.  If you want more than the minimum, that is why you have M&E's working.

RE: GFI requirements around sinks

The trend is to make all receptacles GFI because it works and I agree. If one person is saved then it done it's job.

When the gfic receptacle and gfic cb were first introduced in the early 70's they were very expenive and they were required where they would not the most good. But now the GFI are be made inexpenively, so cost should not be the limiting factor. I call out for there use my designs were ever I can.

So the issue you bring up are nickle and dime issues that contractors are using to make a buck at the cost to public safety.

I usual use the special symbol to denote receptacles that require gfic protection, and that is common on most electrical drawings in the induistry. I believe that to use the nec code, master spec or some general note cover cgic protection is not effective in the design that you mentioned. Try using GFCI symbols instead.

RE: GFI requirements around sinks

I read you comment again. Just spec them out where you think they are required.

RE: GFI requirements around sinks

Comment: It is a good idea to have the Client commented on the GFCI receptacle and Circuit Breaker usage. As far as the breakers are concerned, arc protecting breakers for houses are preferred.

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