CSLB C-20 HVAC ContractorControls, Electrical and SafetyHard
A commercial rooftop package HVAC unit has a 125-volt, 20-amp service receptacle installed for technician use during maintenance. Per California Electrical Code requirements, what protection must this receptacle have?
- AA dedicated 30-amp circuit breaker with no additional protection
- BAFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) protection only
- CNo special protection is required since it is outdoors and rated 125V
- DGFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection
The California Electrical Code (based on NEC 210.8) requires GFCI protection for 125-volt, 15- and 20-amp receptacles installed outdoors, including those on rooftops for HVAC equipment servicing, to protect technicians from ground-fault shock hazards in wet or exposed conditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Circuit breaker sizing alone does not provide the ground-fault protection required by code.
- B. AFCI protects against arc faults (common in dwelling branch circuits), not the shock hazard addressed by GFCI for outdoor receptacles.
- C. Outdoor 125V receptacles specifically require GFCI protection under CEC/NEC 210.8; there is no exemption for HVAC service receptacles.
GFCI Protection for Outdoor/Rooftop Receptacles
California Electrical Code (per NEC 210.8) requires GFCI protection on 125-volt, 15- and 20-amp receptacles installed outdoors or on rooftops, including those provided for HVAC equipment servicing.
- Applies to outdoor, rooftop, and damp/wet location receptacles
- Protects against ground-fault shock hazard, not overcurrent
- AFCI addresses arc faults, a different hazard type
Memory trick: Outdoors and wet = GFCI must protect the tech.