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Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Question:
Hello CQD, does a hard-wired instant water-heater rated 30A, 120/208V, installed under a sink in a commercial kitchen, require GFCI protection? What if the same instant water-heater is cord and plug connected, and the receptacle is next to the unit under the sink? Thanks, Mike Smith
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Answer:
Hi Mike, thanks for the questions. If the water heater is hard-wired, then GFCI protection would not be required as Section 210.8(B) applies to “Other Than Dwelling Unit” Receptacles installed in specified locations. Additionally, Section 210.8(D) and Section 422.5(A) provide GFCI protection requirements for specific appliances and neither section specifies electric water-heaters.
Section 210.8(B)(2) requires GFCI protection for all receptacles supplied by 3-phase branch-circuits rated 150v to ground or less, 100 amp or less and installed in an
“Other Than Dwelling Unit” Kitchens. The receptacle provided for a cord and plug connected instant water-heater rated 30A, 120/208V would fall into the parameters specified in Section 210.8(B)(2) and therefore GFCI protection would be required.