2015 New GFCI Requirements

Transcription

1 2015 New GFCI Requirements Why are GFCI receptacles changing in 2015? The Underwriters Laboratory Standard (UL 943) for GFCI will require manufacturers to include a new function for all ground fault receptacles being built after June 29, What is the new functionality requirement? Each GFR must automatically monitor the GFCI circuit/functionality periodically every (3) hours or less. It must also automatically test within (5) seconds of power to the device. What if the GFR can no longer provide GFCI protection? The unit should trip and deny power. Two conditions may follow at this point: (1) Unit is no longer able to reset & denies power (or) (2) Unit can reset & is subject to the next auto-monitoring test cycle within (5) seconds of power to the device All GFR s must provide an audible or visual indication in the event it does not go into power denial.

2 2015 New GFCI Requirements Standard 943: June 29, 2015 Changes Automatically monitor GFCI circuit/functionality periodically Automatically test within (5) seconds of power to line & load terminals Periodically means every (3) hours or less If the unit can no longer provide GFCI protection, it must comply with the following Deny Power (trip with the inability to reset) Trip with the ability to reset, subject to the next auto-monitoring test cycle Visual and/or audible indication as permitted by UL 943 (6.30.8)* Visual and/or audible indication* GFCI must visually or audibly indicate that it does not go to power denial* * Note: The audible/visual indicator allowance only applies to unique catastrophic events. An example is when a branch circuit is damaged from a short circuit or other extreme condition. Often in this type of event, all devices in the circuit, along with electronics, incur significant damage. If power is still available to that circuit, the unit must indicate it has lost it s ability to provide protection (LED or alarm).

3 What Is Changing For The Customer External Change minimal No change in wiring or method of installation No change in user interface, same physical size Added power indicator (solid green when powered up) Added trip indicator (solid red when tripped) Today GF20GYLA New self test GFRST20GY Internal Change major New microcontroller/programmed for auto monitor Major component additions to printed circuit board for filtering, diagnostics and monitoring Single printed circuit board changed to a double sided PCB Added power LED board Added electronics for trip indicator (solid red when tripped) 100% new tooling across all lines for internal design changes

4 All Current GFR Version To Be Replaced By Self Test Non TRWR TRWR HG Non TRWR HG TRWR Blank Face All existing product lines will be transitioned to the new self test power denial design Timing: June 2015 New Versions for 2015 Include: Isolated Ground* Combination Switch/GFR Lighted* Weather Resistant Only* Alarm* Tamper Resistant Only* Made In USA (Specials)* * Available in Hospital Grade & Non HG Alarm

5 2015 New Functionality Auto Monitor/Power Denial Hubbell GFR will monitor its ability to provide ground fault protection every 60 seconds All monitored failures will result in power denial except for an open solenoid condition For an open solenoid condition, LED will flash red Alarm version will also provide audible alert New Versions for 2015 Isolated Ground* Combination Switch/GFR Lighted* Weather Resistant Only* Alarm* * Available in Standard and Hospital Grade Tamper Resistant Only* Alarm

6 Q & A New Self Test GFCI Receptacle (GFR) Q: Can I still use current generation ground fault receptacles after June 29, 2015? A: Absolutely, the current Bryant GFR can no longer be produced after June 29 th. However, these devices produced prior to this date can be sold by manufacturers & distributors until their inventories are depleted. There is no time limitation on purchase or use of the current product. Q: When will the new self test GFR s be available for sale? A: Stock for the core product lines including tamper resistant will be on the shelves at the end of June. The balance of our new products and configurations will in stock Q3, Q: What indicators does the standard Hubbell GFR provide? A: Power indicators include solid green for power, solid red for trip condition and flashing red for end of life condition. Q: How does the alarm version function? A: The alarm GFR includes all LED indicators that are in the standard product. In addition, an audible alarm will sound when either the unit trips and/or is in end of life. A silencing feature is provided on the face of the device to turn off when needed. Q: Are there any new versions of self test GFR included in this launch? A: Yes, there are several new product families being introduced. These include Isolated Ground, Alarm, Nightlight and Combination Switch/GFR TR GFCI. In addition per VOC, a tamper resistant only and weather resistant only construction will be offered. The combination of TRWR will also be available.