GFCI for 240V 50A commercial dishwasher

[erniez]

Hello,

My brother-in-law just purchased a commercial dishwasher. It is a 4 wire, 240/120V, 50A washer. It will be used in a location where there is a lot of dishwashing (obviously), sinks, etc. Does the NEC require a GFCI for these washers. And if so, what type of GFCI is required or recommended. I have seen some of these types used for pools and spas. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ernie

 

[dpc]

If it is in a commercial kitchen (restaurant), I do not believe there is any requirement for GFCI in the NEC. The Code makes a big distinction between residential and commercial facilities. (Actually, it isn't required for dishwashers in residences either. GFCIs are required in residential kitchens for counter-top receptacles only.)

If he wanted to install a GFCI breaker, that would not be a problem.

A phone call to your local building inspector might settle the matter.

 

[erniez]

Thanks for the advice DPC. The dishwasher will be used in a commercial application. As you suggested, I'll double check with the local inspector as well.

 

[stevenal]

Dwelling Unit. One or more rooms for the use of one or more persons as a housekeeping unit with space for eating, living, and sleeping, and permanent provisions for cooking and sanitation.

Sounds like you already have the kitchen, most likely there are I or more bathrooms. Any place to put a fold out or roll away bed? If so your restaurant is a "dwelling unit" and the residential rules apply.

 

[erniez]

Thanks Stevenal. Actually, the place is not a restaurant but a party rental business with plenty of dirty dishes. No stoves or permanent cooking areas. So I guess this is not a dwelling. Thanks for the help. Good tip to consider.

 

[Sparkyonline]

Relax...

You are not required to install GFCI protection on your commercial dishwasher...or residential for that matter.

The utilization of GFCI is primarily for personnel protection. This is why you will see GFCI's is areas where water may be present....countertops in baths, kitchens, garages, outside. Also required where tbere will be personnel exposed to or immersed in water....swimming pools, tubs, showers, hot tubs [albeit a number of other requirements also exist for these].

The equipment which you are utilizing is self-enclosed and only designed for human interposition in the non-operative mode.

The NEC is finally catching up on some common-sense items. A few years ago, you were required to have GFCI protection on a countertop outlet in a residential restroom...but not in a commercial one....Question? Do the people that the NEC tries to protect from themselves suddenly grow smarter when they go to work???

Just a thought...

 

[jghrist]

It surprised me that the NEC does not require GFCI for a garbage disposal. It is easy to flip the switch with wet hands while working at the sink. When I replaced my garbage disposal, I installed a GFCI receptacle and powered the garbage disposal on the load side. I feel safer now.

 

[davidbeach]

A GFCI Receptacle won't do anything to protect you if the problem is associated with wet hands and the switch. The protection is only downstream of the device.

 

[jghrist]

That's why I put the garbage disposal (with switch) on the load side (downstream) of the receptacle.