Mike Holt Business Newlsetter Series

How States are reacting to this new section of the 2020 NEC
Mike Holt
We recently sent out a newsletter regarding an issue that has arisen because in the 2020 NEC, section 210.8(F) was added requiring that outlets providing power to residential split style air conditioners have GFCI protection. This new section makes the possibility of nuisance tripping on new HVAC equipment highly likely. Following is an update.

In case you missed our May newsletter, or would like to review the issue, click here.

Many states are choosing to delete or modify 210.8(F) which was introduced in the 2020 NEC.

The State of Colorado Electrical Board has moved to grant a Temporary Variance. Click here or on the image to access their bulletin. The following is what it states:

    1. The Electrical Board has received several inquiries and complaints regarding this code change, impacting ductless mini splits, and other relevant installations, causing GFCI tripping.
    2. HVAC manufacturer’s designs have a lower voltage for the power conversion equipment and controls, and in some cases, when using a control transformer, they use the equipment grounding conductor supplying the HVAC equipment for the grounded conductor return path, which is putting a large amount of power leakage current on the equipment ground.
    3. Also, due to the use of the power conversion equipment, the change from AC to DC, and the ramping up and down in frequency, a leakage current could occur and be problematic.

Additional requirements/provisions:
 This Temporary Variance will expire:

       a.  One-year from the date the Board grants the request and will be revisited for extension if needed;

       b. If the National Fire Protection Association issues an applicable Tentative Interim Amendment; or,

       c. Upon the Board’s adoption of the 2023 NEC.

Let us know by posting a comment if you know how any other states are reacting to this new requirement.

Mike Holt's comment
I have been having this problem at my house and I encourage you to familiarize yourself with section 210.8(F) and its impact, and contact your state electrical board to bring this to their attention.

Additional Reading
Comments

  • With the require disconnects per NEC, how is it likely to get energized?

    Mark S Warren  July 31 2021, 8:36 pm EDT
    Reply to this comment

  • Washington state did the same thing. It’s in the November 2020 Edition of the electrical currents newsletter. They will delay enforcement of 210.8(F) until January 1, 2023

    https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/_docs/ElcArchivePresent.pdf

    Alex Bergsma  July 31 2021, 6:01 pm EDT
    Reply to this comment

  • If the NEC had required a 4 wire feed to all exterior units first it would have given the HVAC manufacturers the chance to have a termination point for a neutral and eliminate this problem before it had a chance to happen.

    Rick Stave  July 31 2021, 11:57 am EDT
    Reply to this comment

  • This compressor motor control is a technical advancement and it is also used on Samsung refrigerators. It gives better effiency, temperature control and compressor life. It eliminates the need for the high amperage breaker demanded for compressor start. It also eliminates compressor noise.

    Bob  July 30 2021, 11:24 pm EDT
    Reply to this comment

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