Code Change Summary: A new subsection was added to address other than cord-and plug-connected vending machines.

In the 2011 NEC^®, GFCI protection was only required for cord-and plug-connected vending machines. In the 2014 NEC^®, GFCI protection is required for all vending machines.

It is important to know that this rule is not voltage specific and it does not matter if the vending machine is connected through a receptacle or hard wired. Regardless of how they are connected or what voltage they operate at, most vending machines will require some sort of GFCI protection.

Here is a summary of the new rules in 422.51:

• Cord-and plug-connected vending machines manufactured or rebuilt on or after January 1, 2005, must have a GFCI as an integral part of the attachment plug or be located along the cord, within 12 in. of the attachment plug.
• Older vending machines manufactured or rebuilt before January 1, 2005, must be connected to a GFCI-protected outlet. (An outlet is defined as a point where power is taken to supply utilization equipment. Outlets include receptacles and hard wired connections).
• Vending machines not utilizing a cord and plug connection must be connected to a GFCI protected circuit. (For the actual circuit to be protected, the GFCI protection must originate where the circuit receives its supply, such as a GFCI breaker in a panelboard).

Below is a preview of the NEC^®.  See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).