The rules covering GFCI protection in wet/damp locations as well as for portable/temporary power applications are rather extensive and detailed. A condensed version of these rules appear below.
What is a ground-fault?
A ground-fault occurs when there is a break in the low-resistance grounding path from a tool or electrical system. The electrical current may then take an alternative path to the ground through the user, resulting in serious injuries or death.
Receptacles with GFCI protection are located on the exteriors of buildings and portable GFCI cordsets are used with vending machines to prevent loss or damage to stock should a power disruption occur as well as at construction sites to protect workers.
Codes & Standards
WET OR DAMP LOCATIONS
OSHA 1910.304(b)(3) and 1926.404(b)(1):
- All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in bathrooms or on rooftops shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
2018 NFPA 70E Article 110.6:
- Employees shall be provided with GFCI protection where required by applicable state, federal, or local codes and standards. Listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed GFCI protection for personnel identified for portable use shall be permitted.
2017 NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 210.8(B):
- All single-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and three-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 100 amperes or less installed in bathrooms, kitchens, rooftops, outdoors, near sinks, indoor wet locations, locker rooms with showering facilities, garages, and crawl spaces shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
PORTABLE AND TEMPORARY POWER APPLICATIONS
OSHA 1926.404(b)(1):
- All 120-volt, single-phase 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets on construction sites, which are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and which are in use by employees, shall have approved ground-fault circuit interrupters for personnel protection.
2017 NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 590.6(A)(1):
- All 125-volt, single-phase, 15-, 20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and that are in use by personnel shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel. In addition to this requirement, listed cord sets…identified for portable use shall be permitted.
2018 NFPA 70E Article 110.5(D):
- In job locations where employees are likely to contact or be drenched with water or conductive liquids, ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel shall also be used.
Leviton Solutions
These devices will help you meet the provisions specified by OSHA, NFPA 70E: The Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, and NFPA 70: The National Electrical Code (NEC).
GFCI Receptacles
- Trip threshold meets or exceeds UL 943 Class A requirements (4 mA to 6 mA)
- Patented reset lockout prevents power to the face of the device if GFCI protection is compromised
- Improved immunity to high frequency noise reduces nuisance tripping
- UL investigated to Federal Specification W-C-596
Portable GFCIs
- Open-Neutral Protection immediately trips the GFCI if the neutral conductor on the line side is opened
- Rainproof, Outdoor rated GFCI Module
- Automatic or Manual Reset models available
