Code Change of the Week

The temporary exception that delayed GFCI protection for outdoor HVAC equipment at dwelling units is about to expire. Several TIAs have been submitted to NFPA and will be reviewed in September, and some may extend the exception. Until any extension is officially approved, Florida contractors must install GFCI protection on all outdoor HVAC equipment at residential dwellings.

We’ll continue to monitor NFPA action and provide updates as soon as new information is released. At this time, HVAC and GFCI manufacturers are still working to produce devices that operate reliably together, so please plan installations accordingl

I have the TIA’s below for you to read.

The 2023 code has expanded the commercial areas that require Arc‑Fault Circuit‑Interrupter (AFCI) protection. Sleeping areas in fire stations, police stations, and similar facilities are now required to have AFCI protection. If you’re unsure whether your installation falls under these requirements, contact your local inspector.

Until next time, stay safe out there and work safe.

Jake

This update isn’t actually a change but a clarification of what the section requires. You must install at least one 20‑ampere circuit to serve garage receptacles. Any additional circuits you choose to install do not have to be 20-amperes — they may be 15‑ampere circuits. So if you’re adding a refrigerator, central vacuum, or  equipment, those additional receptacle circuits can be 15 amperes rather than 20.

Bes safe work safe.

Jake

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

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

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

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

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

A picture came in this week that I thought would amuse most of you out there.  He wondered why he got a correction notice.  Thanks Jay!

Yes it is PVC!!!   Can’t get a good look at the pictures click on them.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

This section covers outlets, not receptacles installed outdoors.  Receptacles outdoors are covered in section 210.8(A)(3).  An outlet is a point on a wiring system that current is taken to supply utilization equipment.  This section has an exemption for AC systems which has been tabled until September 1, 2026.  Sprinkler pumps, Gate operators, and other outdoor equipment will be covered by this section and shall be protected by a GFCI device.

Equipment 120/240 volts  up to and including 50 amperes will now have to be GFCI protected when installed outdoors.

Till the next time be safe work safe.

Jake