The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued a request for comments on two proposed code amendments related to the installation of HVAC split and mini-split systems.
Revision to Section 210.8(F) of the National Electrical Code would require Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter protection for personnel on outdoor outlets for mini-split-type heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and other HVAC units employing power conversion equipment as a means to control compressor speed. To become effective January 1, 2023.
The revision is in response to the electrocution of a boy in Minnesota who came into contact with the energized enclosure of an outdoor HVAC unit.
The second revision to Section 210.8(F) is to require Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter protection for personnel on all outdoor outlets for dwellings, other than those covered in 210.8(A)(3), Exception to (3), that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less, shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. This requirement shall become effective January 1, 2023, for heating/ventilating/air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
The revision states that, "GFCI protection was expanded in the 2020 NEC without HVAC component and equipment safety standards being harmonized with GFCI amperage limits. Currently the UL standard that HVAC equipment is listed to (UL 1995) has no requirements for leakage current if the unit is hard wired, as most residential air conditioners/heat pumps are."
THE CLOSING DATE FOR COMMENTS IS JULY 19, 2021. ANYONE MAY SUBMIT A COMMENT BY THE CLOSING DATE.
FIND BOTH PROPOSED REVISIONS BELOW, AND COMMENT AS NECESSARY, USING THE EMAIL LINK FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH DOCUMENT.
https://cdn.baseplatform.io/files/base/ebm/contractingbusiness/document/2021/06/Proposed_TIA_1593_NFPA_70.60c0bb560f74c.pdf