GFI's in existing building

[artart]

Hello,

What are the NEC requirements for GFI's in the apartments of existing multi-family residential buildings? More specifically, is there any requirement for retrofitting a building built in the 1970's with GFI's (kitchen and bath)?

 

[tom baker]

Re: GFI's in existing building

The NEC is not applied retroactively. When remodeling, the AHJ would most likely require portions of the building being worked on to be brought up to code.
However a GFCI has a proven safety record and retrofitting could be done even without the NEC requirements.

 

[artart]

Re: GFI's in existing building

So if we are doing remodeling then there is a requirement in the NEC? Or are you just saying the jurisdiction would require it? If so, based on what in the NEC? We want to do the work (install GFI's) but want to make sure we are doing what the code requires and not less. Thanks.

 

[hurk27]

Re: GFI's in existing building

Most building departments require gfci's and smokes in rentals and for good reasone as law suits can be bad for besiness. but there is no requirment for any existing receptacles to be upgraded to a gfci in the nec unless the wiring is updated on the circuit of the receptacle in question. but others might require the receptacles within 6' of a sink, basment, bathroom, garage, and outside to be upgraded to gfci among other things like smoke detectors for each apartment. But this is a local AHJ's call and they are the one's to check with to keep your self safe from a law suit.