ACCA Codes and Coffee is back after a summer hiatus, and we return to a familiar urgent topic: the National Electrical Code (NEC) exemption for outdoor HVAC equipment from Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection. Why? The exemption expires on September 1, despite ACCA and industry allies’ request for a multi-year extension to protect against widespread nuisance tripping. We are aware that UL-listed “high frequency” (HF) GFCI devices are available in some markets and that the UL Standard has been revised. But there is currently no field experience to show whether they work with all types of equipment.

A last-minute appeal to the NFPA Standards Council has been submitted to extend the expiration date based on recent industry research. Our session will provide an update on those efforts, including an overview of the research report. We will also present a state-by-state GFCI adoption map.

Mark your calendar and join your host, David Bixby, ACCA manager of codes, for this important update on what has happened so far and what is planned as we continue our fight.