2008 NEC Eliminates GFCI Exemption

Up until the 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code, there was an exemption from the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) requirement for receptacles in wet areas when “a single receptacle or duplex receptacle for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug connected.” [NEC 210.8(A) Exemption No. 2]

    But the exemption was eliminated in the 2008 edition of the NEC, so newer installations must have a GFCI-protected receptacle if the receptacle is at wet location where the code requires it. This only applies to cord-and-plug connections of a septic or sump pump, because the code applies to receptacles, not the appliances that might be connected to them. So hard-wiring a pump would eliminate the necessity for GFCI-protection, except that recently the code has required pool pumps to be GFCI-protected even if hard-wired. 

To Learn More About GFCI Receptacles

   See our blog posts Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required? and When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required? and Does a receptacle outlet that is not readily accessible still need GFCI protection? for more on the GFCI code standards.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 
Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •  

  To learn more about SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS, see these other blog posts:

• What are the building code requirements for gray water reuse in Florida?

• What can I add to my septic tank to help it work better? 

• Why do septic tank contractors want you to get rid of your kitchen disposal?

• How can I tell if a house is connected to a septic tank system or sewer?

• How can I locate my septic tank?

• Does a septic tank have to be re-certified if a house has been vacant for a while?

• What is a grinder pump? 

• How often should I pump out the septic tank?

• Should I call a plumber or septic tank contractor when my septic tank backs up into the house? 

• What is the difference between gray water and black water in the plumbing code? 

• Is it alright to disconnect the washing machine drain from the septic tank and divert it to the ground in the yard?

    Visit our SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS and ELECTRICAL pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.