In the November 2024 Codes and Coffee webinar, David Bixby, ACCA’s manager of codes and standards, led a discussion on ACCA’s efforts to advocate for a technical solution to the nuisance tripping problems on HVAC equipment created by the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI). The session provided updates on ACCA’s submitted public comments on the draft 2026 NEC. Also participating in the session was John Ambrosino, ACCA’s voting member on the NEC Code-Making Panel (CMP) No. 2, who reported on the CMP-2 meeting last October. In addition, John Hughes of Trane Technologies provided some encouraging news regarding his company’s development of a new type of GFCI that would safely operate with no nuisance tripping.
Listen to the full episode, New Developments on ACCA’s Crusade for Sensible NEC GFCI Requirements, here.
Bixby opened the session by summarizing ACCA’s public comment proposals:
Extension of the outdoor equipment exemption for GFCI protection
ACCA proposed extending the current exemption for outdoor HVAC equipment from 2026 to 2029. According to Bixby, more time is needed to develop technical solutions regarding the incompatibility between Class A GFCIs and HVAC equipment. Another reason for the delay is to wait for the results from a research project conducted by the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Phase 2 of the research is currently under development but has not started yet.
Exemption from GFCI protection for HVAC condensate pumps located in basements
ACCA’s other proposal is to add requirements to allow for condensate pumps serving HVAC equipment located in basements to be exempt from GFCI protection, including having a marking to distinguish that it’s a non-GFCI dedicated outlet. All basement electrical outlets are required to be GFCI, and the nuisance tripping created by the incompatibility causes HVAC equipment to shut off in times of extreme temperatures and potentially flood the basement. In addition, Bixby noted that ACCA’s comments pointed out that, for HVAC systems utilizing A2L flammable refrigerants, it is imperative that if there’s a leak, the HVAC fan must operate to safely disperse the leak.
John Ambrosino in the NEC trenches for ACCA
Ambrosino elaborated on the challenges facing the HVACR industry when complying with GFCI requirements. He explained that while the NEC draft has now proposed a requirement for either Class A or a special-purpose GFCIs, no actual data has been provided by the GFCI OEMs on CMP-2, leaving the onus on the HVAC industry to determine compatibility. He emphasized that testing is crucial to demonstrating to CMP-2 where the problems lie and formulate solutions for the NEC.
What happens next?
Bixby discussed the importance of timing in the proposal process. If CMP-2 rejects ACCA’s proposals, the next step would be to file a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM), which is due by April 18, 2025. If necessary, ACCA will use this option to push its proposals forward at the NFPA’s annual meeting next June.
Ambrosino added that the vote at the October CMP-2 meeting resulted in a win for extending the outdoor exemption to 2029. The panel acknowledged that the HVACR industry still faces compatibility challenges, especially with newer equipment utilizing A2L flammable refrigerants, and in the future if the industry goes to the even more flammable A3 propane refrigerants. The committee’s statement pointed out that a power loss to such systems could introduce additional hazards, reinforcing the need for more time.
Potential technical solution reported
John Hughes of Trane Technologies reported on his company’s efforts in collaboration with a GFCI manufacturer to have a “high frequency” (HF) Class A GFCI available for their equipment by next year. He also added that another HVAC OEM has partnered with another GFCI OEM to accomplish the same thing. This news was well received by the webinar participants, but that such a technical solution needs to be “codified” in the 2026 NEC.
What’s next?
As ACCA continues its codes advocacy, members can expect more updates and opportunities to provide input. The next significant milestone will be the NFPA Standards Council’s review and potential appeals process if ACCA and others are not successful. It was on appeal that ACCA won delaying the NEC’s outdoor HVAC GFCI requirements until 2026. Hopefully, our advocacy efforts with John Ambrosino on the CMP-2 will ensure that an appeal is not needed this time. Stay tuned for future Codes and Coffee discussions and updates on these critical developments.
Don’t miss the next episode of Codes and Coffee, Taking the “STEP” Towards Better Performing HVAC Installations, on December 11 at 12 PM ET.
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