Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC edition of NFPA 70. Similar to previous editions of the NEC, the 2020 edition includes expanded requirements for GFCI for personnel. The ever-changing world makes safety a continuous adventure, not a destination. One last note: GFCI-protection can be provided by a GFCI receptacle (one receptacle will protect others downstream in the circuit, which should be marked as GFCI protected), a GFCI circuit breaker in the electric panel, or a GFCI dead front (often used for indoor spa tubs, essentially a GFCI receptacle without the slots to plug in a cord, usually located in bathroom or next to electric panel). In the future, HVAC equipment will be listed to UL 60335-2-40, which sets a limit of 10 milliamps of leakage current. A hard wired, dwelling unit kitchen waste disposer. Therefore, CMP 2 added laundry areas and areas within six feet of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall. There are two exceptions to this for not readily accessible receptacles intended for snow-melting and de-icing equipment and outdoor lighting outlets. Buying a home in North/Central Florida? What is the switch on the wall with two pushbuttons? A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Why the continuous evaluation and improvement of safety? It is clear that the tripping of the breakers constitutes a dire safety issue for all new construction in hot regions where electrical systems are being installed according to the 2020 edition of the NEC. What does it mean when a wire is "overstripped" at a circuit breaker? How is it possible to provide both GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and CAFCI (Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection for kitchen and laundry circuits? There were numerous instances of injuries caused by shocks from 240-volt equipment and even a few fatalities that GFCI protection could have potentially prevented. Why the need for the expansion? NFPA 70 - NFPA Journal, November/December 2020 Until both equipment and component standards are updated, designers, installers, AHJs, and consumers are forced to choose between an NEC 2020 compliant installation or an operational installation. Garages and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade . 2020 NEC requires GFCI on all 240 circuits including the range. If the said receptacle is within 6' of a sink and or the receptacle can be used for counter use then yes It is required. I personally do not like the practice of putting refrigerators on afci or GFCI circuit breakers, this was not an issue prior to the 2020 NEC, however the code has gotten kind of crazy and out of hand. Sean specializes in writing concise guides about appliance repair and installation, home and lifestyle, and other residential projects. If the water lines feeding your refrigerator break, the water will pool on the ground and could come into contact with electrical components. GFCI Receptacles - Are they allowed under kitchen sink or behind The ever-changing world makes safety a continuous adventure, not a destination. (6) Kitchens where the receptacles are installed to serve. Does A Refrigerator Need To Be On A Gfci Circuit? (Benefits & Useful Tips) So the year when the NEC first required GFCI-protection for a new receptacle location can be several years before your local building department adopted that edition of the code and began enforcing it. | Refrigerator Trips GFCI In Garage? GFCIs are required for personnel shock protection, and AFCIs are intended to prevent arcing circuits from starting fires. Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) really necessary and worth the trouble? I've read that one shouldn't use GFCI protection for a refrigerator, but I know that AFCI breakers do include ground-fault protection (at a 30mA threshold, as opposed the 6mA threshold for GFCI breakers or AFCI/GFCI dual breakers). You can install a device calledsnubbers, which are used to reduce or eliminate the effects of EMI. While your refrigerator may trip the GFCI outlet repeatedly, this is often not the fault of the GFCI but something with the refrigerator. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo.