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In the 2020 NEC, section 210.8(F) was added requiring that outlets providing power to residential split style air conditioners have GFCI protection. This new section makes the possibility of nuisance tripping on new HVAC equipment highly likely. Following are the latest updates we've received.
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Two proposed TIAs have now been submitted to revise Section 210.8(F) of the 2020 NEC and, in addition, the state of Georgia has voted to amend some of the new changes including the elimination of 210.8(F).
1. Revise 210.8(F) to read as follows:
210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. ...
(F) Outdoor Outlets. All outdoor outlets for dwellings, other than those covered in 210.8 (A)(3), Exception to (3), that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150V to ground or less, 50A or less, shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. This requirement shall become effective on January 1, 2023, for mini-split-type heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and other HVAC units employing power conversion equipment as a means to control compressor speed.
Informational Note: Power conversion equipment is the term used to describe the components used in HVAC equipment that is commonly referred to as a variable speed drive. The use of power conversion equipment to control compressor speed differs from multistage compressor speed control.
Exception: Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall not be required on lighting outlets other than those covered in 210.8(C).
1. Revise Section 210.8(F) to read as follows:
210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. ...
(F) Outdoor Outlets. All outdoor outlets for dwellings, other than those covered in 210.8(A)(3), Exception to (3), that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150V to ground or less, 50A or less, shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. This requirement shall become effective January 1, 2023, for heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
The State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) has voted to amend some of the new changes in 210.8 in the 2020 National Electrical Code: HVAC - Elimination of Section 210.8(F)
Mike Holt's comment:
 This TIA doesn't solve my problem in that my a/c condenser (not mini-split) which employs power conversion equipment as a means to control compressor speed can't run on a GFCI breaker.
Let us know by posting a comment if you know how any other states are reacting to this new requirement.
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