ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Senior Living facility (circuiting Question)

George
Looked up 424.44(G) references Concrete or poured Masonry floors but didn't see reference to Ceramic Floors Tile Floors?? ???

May I suggest reading the install instructions/directions, and/or specs from the mfg.

Also, do you have plans/specs for the job? The EE/PE/Arch should have addressed this, or it should have been a note in Plan Review for the permit.

IMHO, GF protection, although the 'tile' floor is nor specifically stated in the NEC should be installed. Personally, I would install GF.

Depending on the manufacturer of the "floor heat" it may or may not have a thermostat that incorporates GFCI protection. "Easy Heat" specifically says in their installation guide that a GFCI protected circuit must be used per NFPA 70. Easy Heat has a thermostat that has GFPE protection and does not provide people protection due to the trip level of GFPE. There is no question in my mind that floor heat in a tile floor in a bathroom needs GFCI protection. When this first came in the code it was explained in the IAEI Analysis that the need for GFCI protection was based on the fact that the grout joints can allow water to get to the heating mat/tape and cause a problem.

George:
Well said!