Commercial Kitchen GFCI's

[Nietz001]

Is it ever acceptable to install a 120v rec in a commercial kitchen that is not GFCI protected? I was told if the equipment (such as a refridgerator) is difficult to move or fixed in place it's OK to make it a single rec and no GFCI? Just doesn't seem right, looking for help.

 

[iwire]

No there are no NEC exceptions for 15 & 20 amp, 125 volt receptacles in a commercial kitchen. Regardless of how hard they are to access they must be on a GFCI.


There used to be exceptions for GFCIs in dwelling unit basement and garages for dedicated appliance outlets and some folks thought they applied to all GFCIs .... they did not.

Now those exceptions are gone anyway.

 

[infinity]

Also the GFCI has to be readily accessible for testing purposes. That means a remote device or a GFCI breaker if the equipment cannot be moved.

 

[iwire]

Also the GFCI has to be readily accessible for testing purposes.

Good point, I forgot about that.

 

[infinity]

Good point, I forgot about that.

That's a new one for the 2011. Works out well when the receptacle is on a 9' garage ceiling.

 

[kwired]

That's a new one for the 2011. Works out well when the receptacle is on a 9' garage ceiling.

That may be considered readily accessible for some really tall people

 

[kwired]

Is it ever acceptable to install a 120v rec in a commercial kitchen that is not GFCI protected? I was told if the equipment (such as a refridgerator) is difficult to move or fixed in place it's OK to make it a single rec and no GFCI? Just doesn't seem right, looking for help.

I think the original proposal to include all 120 volt commercial kitchen receptacles was prompted in part by an electrocution involving a refrigerator and a bad/missing equipment grounding conductor IIRC.

 

[brother]

Is it ever acceptable to install a 120v rec in a commercial kitchen that is not GFCI protected? I was told if the equipment (such as a refridgerator) is difficult to move or fixed in place it's OK to make it a single rec and no GFCI? Just doesn't seem right, looking for help.

Another thing to note is that most commercial kitchens have to deal with a health departmental authority. Alot of them require that food in freezers, refrigerators etc... be monitored. So if the power went off and the temp started to drop, the alarm should go off and one can save the food.

 

[kwired]

Another thing to note is that most commercial kitchens have to deal with a health departmental authority. Alot of them require that food in freezers, refrigerators etc... be monitored. So if the power went off and the temp started to drop, the alarm should go off and one can save the food.

Dropping temp or rising temp?

 

[Hendrix]

That's a new one for the 2011. Works out well when the receptacle is on a 9' garage ceiling.

I think I'll invent a "GFCI reset stick" and market them through HD :lol:

 

[iwire]

I think I'll invent a "GFCI reset stick" and market them through HD :lol:

Be sure to get it 'listed' and put in a code change proposal requiring a listed reset stick to be used.

 

[cowboyjwc]

I think I'll invent a "GFCI reset stick" and market them through HD :lol:

I'd love in invest in that. I got $20 that's just burning a hole in my pocket.

 

[Hendrix]

Be sure to get it 'listed' and put in a code change proposal requiring a listed reset stick to be used.

Will do. I will also invent a separate "test stick" and market them as a pair :roll:

 

[kwired]

I'd love in invest in that. I got $20 that's just burning a hole in my pocket.

Send your investment dollars to me, in any amount, $1, $5, $20, $100, or whatever you choose. I promise I will return you your share of profits I make in this particular venture:happyyes:

 

[jumper]

Send your investment dollars to me, in any amount, $1, $5, $20, $100, or whatever you choose. I promise I will return you your share of profits I make in this particular venture:happyyes:

I would, but I am saving up for a Power Saver unit.