GFCI tripping

[curious101]

Hi,

Some of our gas station/convenience store projects have this problem:
Beverage dispenser ICEE machine is on GFCI breaker which is tripping. The dispenser uses a L6-30R receptacle.
The area is moist, but not labeled as kitchen. The sink is more than 9 feet away, but obviously splashing happens from the beverage handling.
We just found out from the manufacturer: "It is recommended for this type of equipment not be connected to a GFCI, the compressor contactor during normal operation will create a spark which the GFCI will interpreted as a short and trip."
I'm thinking as possible solution: remove GFCI breaker and replace with regular 30A-2P breaker. Provide in-use weatherproof cover for the L6-30R receptacle.
Does this sound okay by NEC or what would be the best solution?

Thanks and have a great day!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Is the ice machine in a kitchen area

 

[Rock86]

Does an ICEE machine classify as a vending machine? 2017 NEC 422.5 says you need GCFI protection regardless of if it is in a kitchen. Maybe talk with your AHJ and get clarification from him and explain the manufacturers recommendations.

 

[curious101]

Is the ice machine in a kitchen area

It's not a kitchen or food prep area. It's an area inside the store, like you know in gas station convenience stores, where you just grab your own ICEE drink from the machine.

 

[ptonsparky]

Try a new breaker first.
I've had luck with putting RK electronics across the load. RCS7A-6V or similar.

 

[curious101]

Does an ICEE machine classify as a vending machine? 2017 NEC 422.5 says you need GCFI protection regardless of if it is in a kitchen. Maybe talk with your AHJ and get clarification from him and explain the manufacturers recommendations.

I was trying to look it up on the net. ICEE manufacturer doesn't talk about it as vending machine. It's not a machine where you put change in to get your drink. You have to pay for the drink at the cash register.

 

[curious101]

Does an ICEE machine classify as a vending machine? 2017 NEC 422.5 says you need GCFI protection regardless of if it is in a kitchen. Maybe talk with your AHJ and get clarification from him and explain the manufacturers recommendations.

The problem is that these are prototype drawings, so we have a lot of these projects in different states and cities, so it would involve talking to AHJ in each and every case, which is a lot....

 

[Rock86]

I was trying to look it up on the net. ICEE manufacturer doesn't talk about it as vending machine. It's not a machine where you put change in to get your drink. You have to pay for the drink at the cash register.

Right... and I'm not sure if a beverage dispenser is considered a form of vending machine under the NEC.

 

[curious101]

Try a new breaker first.
I've had luck with putting RK electronics across the load. RCS7A-6V or similar.

Thank you! And you tried to apply it to a similar case like ours?

 

[ptonsparky]

Thank you! And you tried to apply it to a similar case like ours?

No, small just inductive loads. You may try any snubber type device that you would put across the coil of a motor starter.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It really comes down to whether it is a vending machine. I wouldn't call it a vending machine but I am sure someone would.