engine block heaters

[jap2525]

Are outside 120v receptacles installed for engine block heaters required to be gfi protected?
wether they are installed at a residence or industrial establishment.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: engine block heaters

Residential yes, commercial no.

 

[tom baker]

Re: engine block heaters

If GFCI is required by the location then yes. You might try and claim exemption if a dedicated location for residential. Commerical it would have to be GFCI if a kitchen, rooftop or bathroom. In washington state all our receptacles have to be GFCI if required for residential then same for any location.
All locations require a weatherproof in use cover.
Personally I would go with a GFCI regardless of the location...block heater today, portable tool tommorrow.

 

[stanley]

Re: engine block heaters

I have to agree with Bob. We are in the process of installing 40 outdoor receptacles for block heaters. My design called for GFIC receptacles with "in use" covers.

My partner questioned using GFIC's because they are not required by the NEC. My reply . . . One mechanic, working on a bus, on the ground, on a rainy day, his trouble light plugged into the block heater receptacle . . . at that point he stopped me and ordered the GFIC receptacles.

The NEC is the minimum.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: engine block heaters

Originally posted by stanley:
I have to agree with Bob.

Which one of us, Ryan or Tom, is Bob?

 

[bob]

Re: engine block heaters

I am and I agree with Stan.

[ March 25, 2004, 08:40 PM: Message edited by: bob ]

 

[hurk27]

Re: engine block heaters

Now that's a thread going in circles with a little bit of premeditated posting. LOL