Change Summary

• New requirement for listed, labeled, and identification of portable GFCI protection for branch circuits fed by flexible cords.

Expert Analysis

For wiring at carnivals, circuses, fairs, and similar events, ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection is required at all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere non-locking-type receptacles used for disassembly and reassembly of rides and equipment and at all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere non-locking-type receptacles that are readily accessible to the general public. GFCI protection is also required at equipment that is readily accessible to the general public and supplied from 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere branch circuits.

Frequently, this required GFCI protection is delivered through a standard GFCI receptacle device installed at the end of a flexible cord. This installation can result in a potential hazard as an open neutral situation can easily develop in the field due to wear-and-tear on the cord and plug connections. When this happens, the GFCI device does not and cannot function properly because this GFCI device no longer sees 120 volts needed to function properly, and fails to open (trip) properly. Under the UL product category (KCXS), standard GFCI receptacles are described as “flush receptacles and are intended to be installed in an outlet box for fixed installation on a branch circuit similar to a conventional receptacle.” To combat this situation, a new 525.23(D) was incorporated into the 2017 NEC calling for GFCI protection to be listed, labeled, and identified for portable use when any GFCI protection is provided through the use of GFCI receptacles, with the branch circuits supplying these receptacles utilizing flexible cords. Portable GFCIs are plug-in type GFCIs provided with male blades or an integral power-supply cord for connection to a receptacle outlet. Portable GFCIs are also provided with one or more receptacle outlets located on the GFCI or a cord-connector body at the end of a length of flexible cord. These portable GFCI devices also interrupt power to the load when any single supply conductor (including the neutral conductor) is opened.

It is important to point out that this new portable GFCI requirement at 525.23(D) incorporates a requirement for identified portable GFCI receptacles, but only on branch circuits fed by flexible cords. This provision does not apply to GFCI protection for portable structures or rides even though such structures and rides may be fed by flexible cord feeders.

Leviton’s Automatic and Manual Reset GFCI Cord Sets feature ultrasonically welded bodies that provide excellent resistance to harsh weather and long service life. They are perfect for carnivals, circuses, fairs and other temporary outdoor events.

All of our GFCI cord sets have Open-Neutral Protection — immediately trips the GFCI if the neutral conductor on the line side is opened, eliminating the possibility of the Cord Set having a live hot leg. Plus, they fully comply with NEC and OSHA regulations for construction sites.

Automatic Reset Cord Sets will automatically reset ON when plugged in or power is restored after a power interruption, while Manual Reset Cord Sets will not automatically reset ON when power is restored after a power interruption — the reset button must be pushed in.