I've got an inspector telling me that I need to GFI protect the washer outlet because it is within 6' of a utility sink in the laundry room.

Does this make sense to anyone? Its a dedicated 20 AMP Appliance receptacle, right? Isn't the washer itself a big tub of water? I'm not sure what the issue is unless they are worried someone might pick up the washing machine and drop it in the sink...

We put a GFI device in the convenience outlet after he red tagged it the first time. He didn't specify that he wanted a gfi in the washer outlet...oh but he does want a $100 reinspection fee...

Any thoughts?

I think the courts would be interested in how he can justify that amount of re-inspection fee and I'm an inspector.

So as an inspector would you say that this red tag legitimate?

210.8 (A) (5) for GFI in the unfinished basement had exceptions. However (7) for the Deep sink / wet bar there are NO exceptions.
$100 reinspect ? My permit fee isn't that high for a new house with 200 amp service.
Alan--

So, then it doesn't apply to the disposal and dishwasher. Mysteriously its not necessary to have those on a GFI...

Again, as an inspector would you think it might be common courtesy to specify such an obscure situation, i.e. that you are talking about the washer outlet and not the convenience outlet?

Its not like we can find a single GFCI device right? I basically have to run a new feed into a faceless GFI and then re-feed the washer outlet...sound right?

Thanks for your input by the way because the alternative is a really nasty exchange with this inspector and I do appreciate not having to put up with the conflict...

[This message has been edited by Happi_Man (edited 05-31-2006).]

Happi,

The requirement for the GFI within 6 foot of the laundry tub can be found in 210.8(7), 2005 Ed.

Why not just install a 20 amp GFI and be done with it?

[This message has been edited by Jim M (edited 05-31-2006).]

There is no mystery.

210.8(A)(6) requires outlets that serve a kitchen countertop to be GFCI protected.

210.52(B)(3) requires the two appliance circuits on a countertop.

210.52(C)(5) allows the DW/Disp receptacle outlets to be excluded from 210.8(A)(6), because they are not required by 210.52(B)(3).

Just a quick side note on this.
I read recently somewhere about a case where an internal situation caused the exterior metal casing of a washing machine to become "HOT". The individual touched the washer and the faucet of the laundry sink, & became the conductor. Somewhere within that article a GFI for the laundry circuit was SUGGESTED. Article may have been in ECN, or Elec. Contractor mags, or ?????

As to the $100 re-inspect fee, heck, we go back as many times as it takes, and can't charge a penny more. Is that a town fee, or do you have 'private' inspectors??

John

The red tag is ligit but the re-inspect fee is criminal. I'd question it with the building department. There is no way it cost $100.00 to re-inspect for GFCI protection on one receptacle. You are being punished and financially raped.

The city of San Jose charges $166/hr for inspections. I believe the minimum time is .5 hrs so the $100 is not far off from what I’m used to. When you get a permit in San Jose they charge for inspection time based on the project. If you run out of time you have to pay additional fees before getting another inspection. When you call for an inspection you have to specify how long the inspection will take. If the inspector feels he/she needs more time than you requested you have to recall for another inspection.

If anyone is interested in looking San Jose’s fees here is a link: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/building/PDFHandouts/Feesch2005Aug9-2-2.pdf

Curt


[This message has been edited by caselec (edited 06-01-2006).]