GFCI for temporary power on job sites
On construction, remodeling and repair jobs, temporary 125-V, 15-, 20- and 30-A receptacles used by workers need GFCI protection, including those on portable generators of 15 kW or less.
What the code requires
Article 590 covers temporary power. Section 590.6 protects people using tools and equipment during construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair or demolition. Any 125-V, single-phase, 15-, 20- or 30-A receptacle outlet that is not part of the permanent wiring and is in use by workers must have GFCI protection. Listed GFCI cord sets may be used in addition.
The same rule reaches the building's own receptacles. If existing or newly installed permanent 125-V, 15-, 20- or 30-A receptacles are used for temporary power, they need GFCI protection too.
Portable generators of 15 kW or less need listed GFCI protection on all of their 125-V and 125/250-V single-phase 15-, 20- and 30-A receptacles. Other temporary receptacles need either GFCI protection or an assured equipment grounding conductor program.
On the job
- A 30-A, 125-V receptacle on a temporary power pole needs GFCI protection too, not just the 15- and 20-A ones.
- A portable generator of 15 kW or smaller needs GFCI protection on its receptacles before it is used on the job.
- An assured equipment grounding conductor program is a written program that is enforced on the site. Its test records must be kept and made available to your inspector.
Exceptions that matter
- In industrial facilities where only qualified people are involved, an assured equipment grounding conductor program may be used instead of GFCI for receptacles where losing power would create a greater hazard, or where the equipment won't work with GFCI.
- Portable generators of 15 kW or less made or remanufactured before January 1, 2015 may use listed GFCI cord sets or devices identified for portable use instead of built-in GFCI protection.
Related sections
- NEC 590.3
- NEC 590.4
- NEC 210.8
- NEC 406.9: Receptacles outdoors and near tubs and showers
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