Electrical codes are designed to protect people and property, but they must also reflect how common household appliances operate in real homes and businesses.
The amendment modifies rules related to ground-fault circuit-interrupter, or GFCI, protection for certain large appliances.
With this action, the City removed the GFCI requirement for the following appliances:
These appliances are already subject to extensive national safety testing under standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratory. City staff identified that adding GFCI protection to high-current appliances can sometimes cause unnecessary power interruptions, also known as nuisance trips, without increasing overall safety.
The amendment maintains established safety protections while addressing operational considerations identified through inspection and industry review. By making this adjustment, the City continues to keep its electrical standards aligned with national safety practices while supporting consistent inspection and enforcement.
