Elec code question

Sep 18, 2007 56 Replies

Does code require the receptacle for a over-the-range microwave to be GFI protected? (Seems to me like it would be a good idea because one may frequently be touching the microwave and the grounded range - or is it sufficient to depend on the microwave ground being intact at all times?)



Anyway the main question is, "Doec the code require a GFI here?"



Many thanks.


No, only counter outlets in the kitchen

wrote in news:14698$46f09249$9440c41e$8159 @STARBAND.NET:

It does is it is near the sink.

But you knew that. Right? I'm sure you'll say so anyway.

Actually, assuming we are talking kitchens in dwelling units, the 2005 NEC, Article 210.8(A)(6) only says that kitchens require GFCIs on receptacles "where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces". Local codes may be more restrictive.

"SRN" wrote in news:lbnIi.77470$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe19.lga:

Ok, I'll certainly go along with that, but what do they say about receptacles near wet locations or exterior doors?

For starters, they say something different then they say for outlets above stoves for microwaves

"RBM" wrote in news:WqCIi.504$GW.303 @newsfe12.lga:

Fine. Now if that outlet for a microwave is near the sink or an exterior door, which rules apply? Is there a specific exemption?

The NEC does not reference the kitchen sink in any way. It only says all receptacles serving the countertop in the kitchen, pantry, dining and breakfast room shall be GFCI protected. If the receptacle behind the microwave was above the sink in an appliance garage it wouldn't have to be GFCI because it is not serving the countertop. For that matter if some trendy fad started where you had a pedastal sink in the kitchen with no counterspace around it you could have a receptacle above it without a GFCI. Terrible "design" but it doesn't violate the code. An inspector might make up a rule (90.4) to make you do it. On the other hand wet bar sinks and laundry sinks do have the 6 foot rule.

Once again, you show you're ignorance. Try purchasing a NEC2005 and learn to read.

wrote in news:d7073$46f3d805$9440c41e$30006 @STARBAND.NET:

You're still wrong. Could the receptacle serve the counter? Is it within 6 feet of a wet location? If those conditions are met then an inspector should require protection. Got it?

Regardless of what "an inspector" should require, the NEC doesn't

"RBM" wrote in news:xFVIi.670$GW.238 @newsfe12.lga:

The NEC requires protection for outlets near wet locations. No one has provided a cite for an exception to that requirement.

Sorry, wrong again. You need to invest in a code book. There is nothing in the NEC that requires (generally) that GFCI protection is required for outlets "near wet locations" It does require protection in specific wet locations and other specific locations, but adjacent to an exist door on the inside of a house, while "near" a wet location, is not required to be GFCI protected

I got the fact that you don't understand NEC codes.

wrote in news:d5c94$46f617a4$9440c41e$2024 @STARBAND.NET:

Wrong again.

"RBM" wrote in news:iBYIi.179$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe12.lga:

Ummm, what about the rule of being within six feet? That still holds does it not?

Clark, you're reaching!!! Originally when GFCI protection was required at kitchen counters, it was for any outlet within six feet of the sink. That's changed and all kitchen counter outlets are required to be protected. GFCI rules are pretty specific now, such as where an outdoor hot tub is installed, a GFCI outlet is required to be installed between ten and twenty feet from the tub. The only current six foot rule I know of is a counter top at a wet bar, any outlet within six feet of the sink must be protected

"RBM" wrote in news:QzDJi.1018$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe12.lga:

First off, I'm not really reaching. I am following code as adopted by my local jurisdiction.

NEC 2005 requires protection for laundray & utility sinks along with wet bar sinks. Specific exceptions for kitchen locations are noted.

There are many requirements for gfci protection near wet locations. Perhaps you should read the code?

formatting link

You are the one claiming some six foot of a wet location rule. There simply isn't one. As I said earlier, there are many SPECIFIC locations where GFCI protection is required. Within six feet of a laundry or wet bar sink are two specific locations

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required