Jake – Jake Leahy's Electrical Code Connection

GFCI PROTECTION FOR AC COMPRESSORS 2020 NEC

Post author:Jake
Post published:May 29, 2025
Post category:News

Just a quick note, I’ve been getting calls from a few contractors stating that the inspector is requiring GFCI protection on a residential AC compressor. This requirement will not take effect until September 1, 2026.

210.8(F) Outdoor Outlets.
For dwellings, all outdoor outlets, other than those covered in 210.8(A), Exception No. 1, including outlets installed in the following locations, and supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground, 50 amperes or less, shall be provided with GFCI protection:

(1) Garages that have floors located at or below grade level
(2) Accessory buildings
(3) Boathouses
If equipment supplied by an outlet covered under the requirements of this section is replaced, the outlet shall be provided with GFCI protection.

Exception No. 1: GFCI protection shall not be required on lighting outlets other than those covered in 210.8(C).

Exception No. 2: GFCI protection for listed HVAC equipment is not required. This exception shall expire September 1, 2026.

GFCI PROTECTION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR AIR CONDITIONERS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Thanks, and be safe.

Jake

Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment GFPE 555.35(A)(1)

Post author:Jake
Post published:May 3, 2025
Post category:Code Change of the Week

Shore Power receptacles are to have GFPE protection that is not to exceed 30ma..

Continuing Education

Post author:Jake
Post published:May 2, 2025
Post category:News

We have been getting a lot of calls about continuing education. We are planning a few classes in December, May, and June. Palm Beach County is coming up this August for renewal. All you need to do is send in the continuing education you received in the last two years to renew.

Coming up for Continuing Education.

2023 GFCI protection

2023 Code changes

2020 Plan review failures

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

Receptacles on a Dock 555.33

Post author:Jake
Post published:February 9, 2025
Post category:Code Change of the Week

New to Article 555 is new to Receptacle replacement. This section applies if you are replacing receptacle outlets on a dock. 555.33(C) states that they need to be at least 12” above the dock but not below the electrical datum plane on a fixed dock.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK, TRYING TO KEEP THINGS COOL!!!! BUT THE BREAKER KEEPS TRIPPING.

Thanks Scott!!

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

555.3 Electrical Datum Plan Distances

Post author:Jake
Post published:January 5, 2025
Post category:Code Change of the Week

This weeks change addresses docks and the datum plane for mounting equipment on a dock.

Throughout Article 555, the physical location of electrical equipment is referenced to the electrical datum plane, which is used as a horizontal benchmark on land and on floating piers. The definition of the term electrical datum plane encompasses areas subject to tidal movement and areas in which the water level is affected only by conditions such as climate (rain or snowfall) or by human intervention (the opening or closing of dams and floodgates). In either case, the term covers the normal highest water level, such as astronomical high tides. The term does not cover extremes due to natural or manmade disasters.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

Picture of the week

Post author:Jake
Post published:November 23, 2024
Post category:Uncategorized

I’m not sure what you call it.

430.7 Markings on MOTOR NAMEPLATES 2020 NEC

Post author:Jake
Post published:November 10, 2024
Post category:Code Change of the Week

New to this section is requirement #16 for motors that are electronically protected to be marked on the nameplate.

Got a great picture this week from George in West Palm beach, thanks George great picture. See below.

If you want to make the pictures bigger just click on them.

Not sure what you call it but I would say a raceway “SPLITTER”!!!

Should try and get this fitting listed.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

2020 National Electrical Code

Post author:Jake
Post published:September 15, 2024
Post category:News

I get calls all the time about which Code edition we are using. The 2020 NEC is what has been adopted since 12.31.23. The confusion comes from the edition of the Florida Building Code that is in use at this time the 2023 Edition. At this time, the 2023 Florida Building Code adopts the 2020 NEC, which is confusing to many who deal with the Codes.

I got a couple of calls this week from contractors who have been cited for a violation from the 2023 NEC, which will not be in effect until 12.31.26, unless something pushes it up, but don’t look for that to happen. We are behind in the editions we use due to the Florida Building commission who regulates which Codes we use. So from now until December 31 of 2026 we will use the 2020 National Electrical Code.

2020 National Electrical Code now until 12.31.26.

Until next time be safe work safe.

Jake

410.118 Access to other boxes.

Post author:Jake
Post published:August 31, 2024
Post category:Code Change of the Week

This new section does away with pulling down a fixture in a drywall or hard ceiling to access a junction box above the ceiling. It now requires the box to be part of the fixture when it’s above a drywall or hard ceiling.

I don’t know who sent the picture of the week, but WOW!!! Look it over tell me what you think.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

406.9 (C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Exception #2

Post author:Jake
Post published:July 7, 2024
Post category:Code Change of the Week

A new requirement for outlets near bath tubs and showers has been placed in 406.9(C). A minimum of 3’ from the tub or shower stall has been added, as with all Code section there is usually an exception to this requirement. As shown in the graphic below exception #2 applies to our situation..

406.9(C) Bathtub and Shower Space.

Receptacles shall not be instal⁠led within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all-encompassing and shall include the space directly over the tub or shower stall.

Exception No. 1: In bathrooms with less than the required zone the receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be installed opposite the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold on the farthest wall within the room.

Exception No. 2: In a dwelling unit, a single receptacle shall be permitted for an electronic toilet or personal hygiene device such as an electronic bidet seat. The receptacle shall be readily accessible and located on one of the following:

(1) The wall behind the toilet but not behind the tank

(2) The opposite side of the toilet from the bathtub or shower