Code Change Summary: Revised code language on GFCI protection for specific appliances.

Section 210.8 provides GFCI requirements for certain receptacles and outlets whereas Section 422.5 provides GFCI protection requirements for specific appliances, whether cord-and-plug-connected or hard-wired.

In the 2020 NEC^®, the GFCI requirements for specific appliances were revised to clarify that the GFCI protection must be Class A. The previous language just required GFCI protection in general which left the door open to Special Purpose GFCI devices that trip after higher levels of current leakage are detected than a Class A device. The Class A GFCI device provides the best protection for personnel and is designed to trip when between 4 mA and 6 mA of current leakage to ground is detected.

The language in item (4) was shortened up and now GFCI protection is required for all tire inflation machines rather than those only for the public.

Additional revisions now include bottle fill stations, sump pumps, and ALL dishwashers among the list of appliance types that will require GFCI protection (if operating within the voltage and current levels in the parent text of 422.5(A)). In the 2017 NEC^®, only dwelling unit dishwashers required GFCI protection in accordance with 210.8(D). This language was shortened up and relocated to 422.5(A) in the 2020 NEC^® and now applies to all dishwashers.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.