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New UL GFCI Standard  
 

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has announced a revision to standard UL 943 that became effective on June 29, 2015. Because testing a GFCI is a good way to verify that it is providing protection, the revision requires that all UL certified Class A residential and commercial grade wallbox mounted GFCIs have: Image

 

a) An auto-monitoring function that will allow for periodic automatic testing (self-test) of the GFCI device and its ability to respond to a ground fault. If a problem is detected one or more of the following will happen:

- Power will be denied (trip with the inability to reset)

- Trip with the ability to reset, subject to the next auto-monitoring test cycle or repeatedly trip

- Visual and/or audible indication

b) Provisions to ensure that receptacle type GFCIs that contain separate line and load terminals, and that is powered through its load terminals, shall not reset and supply power to its receptacle face or line terminals if miswired. This applies both during its initial installation and after reinstallation following a correctly wired installation. If the device is provided with special instructions for removal and reinstallation, the instructions shall be followed during testing.

 

Leviton Responds with New Self-Test Models

In response to the revised standard, GFCI manufacturers must stop producing their current GFCIs and only manufacture the new self-test models as of the end of June. What this means is that you will notice a gradual transition in the market to self-test models by all manufacturers of GFCIs after that date. It is important to note that you can continue to sell and install any GFCI products manufactured prior to the effective date of the revised standard with no restrictions on phase out.

Click here to read the Self-Test GFCI Flyer from Leviton outlining which products are affected along with information on the new self-test products.

 

 
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Comments

  • the correct way to fasten fire alarm mc cable 0n a main beam of a house. Staples or clips.

    ed bonollo  January 16 2016, 2:48 pm EST
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  • Will this change extend to panel mount gfci breakers? If so it will cause more homeowners to get electrocuted because they will r and r a breaker as well as a receptacle but in a live panel instead of a dead branch circuit. Probably standing on a concrete floor as well. It's called E.N.S. Excelerated Natural Selection.

    Jim  September 8 2015, 11:52 am EDT
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  • will this UL change also affect chord and plug connected GFCI's used in construction as well?

    Rick  August 28 2015, 5:30 pm EDT
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  • Going to be interesting when Johnny home owner comes home in the middle of winter after vacation and finds that his garage door opener doesn't and that his freezer and fridge are all defrosted. Not sure they thought this one out.

    Paul Matthews  August 27 2015, 4:42 pm EDT
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  • This may lead to homeowners removing and replacing them with non-GFCI outlets. When you make a safety change you have to consider intangible effects and human behavior as well.

    Matt Egloff  August 27 2015, 10:06 am EDT
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  • this will be real nice when the GFI on the freezer or fridge fails

    darwin  August 27 2015, 9:46 am EDT
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  • Clarification: it's not just all "UL certified" GFCIs. There are many ETL Listed GFCIs to UL-943 as well (including Leviton). The change will affect all Class A residential and commercial grade wallbox mounted GFCIs listed to UL-943 regardless of the certifying company.

    Derek Silva  August 27 2015, 9:17 am EDT
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  • Seems that the new requirement will eventually phase out GFCI receptacles in new construction if the DUAL FUNCTION branch circuit disconnect is acceptable in dwellings. Consideration of using DUAL FUNCTION technology would at least eliminate multiple GFCI receptacle usage and testing potential flaws if the source GFCI protection is more stable.

    Ben Jacks  August 27 2015, 4:30 am EDT
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  • Is DUAL FUNCTION breakers affected?

    Ben Jacks  August 27 2015, 4:11 am EDT
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  • GFCIs have had a less that start history. The Question what took them so long to develop this most current fix? I bet the legal cost were becoming excessive.

    L.W. Brittian  August 26 2015, 10:58 pm EDT
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  • Do they really think a homeowner will put up with testing an outlet ? I hate to say it but when it becomes a headache the owners will be taking them out and now all the protection is gone.

    tom  August 26 2015, 10:50 pm EDT
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  • Mike, Thanks for the notification about New UL GFCI Standards.

    glene77is  August 26 2015, 8:24 pm EDT
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  • What is the justification for this change. I can't help but think this is going to be expensive and much like the AFCI's, not very dependable. Is this justified by statistics to show the need for a self test?.

    Bill Clapp  August 26 2015, 8:05 pm EDT
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