Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: tyha, Location: central nc
Asked on: Friday, April 17, 2009 at 9:52 am EDT
Answered on: Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 4:57 pm EDT
Question: This may have come up before but I couldn't find it. We are doing and education center and we are getting a conditional power inspection. It just so happens that we already have all our devices in when the inspector stops and says all the outside GFI's have to be WP rated eventhough not only are they on this huge porch/patio that has a cover that hangs out at least 10 feet from the exterior wall where they are but they are in the wp in use covers. How do they have to be wp rated when all this is in place. please give a code reference. And I thought GFI's were already wp rated. Thanks
Code Reference
* [2020 NEC 406.8(A)(1)] Temporary wiring for outdoor use shall be listed for use in damp or wet locations.
Justification
Even though the GFCIs are enclosed in weatherproof in-use covers and protected by a substantial overhang, they are still considered to be in a wet location. This is because the National Electrical Code (NEC) defines a wet location as "any location where water occurs as a result of condensation, rain, irrigation, washdown, or similar conditions."In this case, it is possible that water could accumulate on the porch/patio due to rain or other moisture sources. The NEC requires temporary wiring in wet locations to be listed for use in such conditions to ensure safety.
WP Rating for GFCIs
Standard GFCIs are not inherently weatherproof rated. They need to be enclosed in weatherproof enclosures or be specifically listed as WP (weatherproof) rated for outdoor use.
Conclusion:
Therefore, all outdoor GFCIs must be WP rated, even if they are enclosed in weatherproof in-use covers and protected by a substantial overhang. This is required by the NEC to ensure the safety of electrical installations in wet locations. Flag for review