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Dear Stakeholder:
On July 28, 2021, the State Electrical Board clarified their motion to grant a Temporary Variance to portions of Article 210.8 (F) of the 2020 NEC.
This variance is to temporarily waive outdoor outlet GFCI compliance ONLY for ductless mini-split-type heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and other HVAC units employing power conversion equipment as a means to control compressor speed.
- The Electrical Board has received several inquiries and complaints regarding this code change, impacting ductless mini splits, and other relevant installations, causing GFCI tripping.
- HVAC manufacturer’s designs have a lower voltage for the power conversion equipment and controls, and in some cases, when using a control transformer, they use the equipment grounding conductor supplying the HVAC equipment for the grounded conductor return path, which is putting a large amount of power leakage current on the equipment ground.
- Also, due to the use of the power conversion equipment, the change from AC to DC, and the ramping up and down in frequency, a leakage current could occur and be problematic.
Additional requirements/provisions:
- This Temporary Variance will expire:
a. One-year from the date the Board grants the request and will be revisited for extension if needed;
b. If the National Fire Protection Association issues an applicable Tentative Interim Amendment; or,
c. Upon the Board’s adoption of the 2023 NEC.
For the Colorado State Electrical Board,
Joyce J. Young
Program Director
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