ACCA Launches GFCI Resource Center as HVAC Exemption Expires
Key Facts
- The NEC exemption for outdoor GFCI protection on HVAC equipment expired on Sept.1, prompting industry-wide adjustments. High-frequency GFCI devices are emerging but lack extensive field testing, raising concerns.
- ACCA's GFCI Resource Center offers a quick reference guide, research reports, and a field experience poll to inform and support contractors.
- A free webinar on Sept. 23 will provide updates on the code changes and ACCA's efforts to extend the GFCI exemption.
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia —
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has launched a GFCI Resource Center to help HVAC contractors navigate the expiration of the National Electrical Code (NEC) exemption for ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection on outdoor HVAC equipment.
The exemption expired September 1. The NEC has required GFCIs on outdoor outlets since 2020, but listed HVAC equipment received a temporary exemption while the industry worked toward a solution.
About 22 states have independently delayed or deleted the requirement. Contractors in jurisdictions where the requirement remains may now need GFCI protection on outdoor listed HVAC equipment.
The exemption expired without a proven solution to nuisance tripping. Some single-speed and inverter-driven equipment continues to trip standard GFCIs despite no issues with the installation.
High-frequency GFCI devices are entering the market, but they have not been field-tested through a full cooling season across the range of equipment types contractors install.
ACCA and other industry groups have asked the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which writes the code, for additional time.
“Contractors need clarity right now, and this resource center puts everything in one place,” said Wes Davis, ACCA’s director of technical services. “Whether it’s checking what applies in your state or understanding the latest on high-frequency GFCI technology, this is where our contractors and the industry can go to stay informed.”
The GFCI Resource Center includes a quick reference guide covering NEC Section 210.8(F), high-frequency GFCI technology, and ongoing industry efforts. It also includes ACCA’s formal comments to the NFPA Standards Council and an AHRI-commissioned research report on nuisance tripping.
Contractors can use a field experience poll to report GFCI issues encountered on the job. ACCA said the data will directly inform its advocacy efforts. The center also provides electrical safety training resources for technicians.
ACCA will host a free Codes and Coffee webinar September 23 at 12 p.m. ET. The session will provide a live update on the expired exemption and ACCA’s efforts to extend it.
David Bixby, ACCA’s manager of codes, will host the webinar. Panelists will include Ed Lehr of Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric; Tom Deary of AHRI; and Zac Johnson of HARDI. Registration is open to the HVACR community.
ACCA’s GFCI Resource Center is available at acca.org/gfci.