Does Code Section 230.95 require GFPE on a 1,000-ampere service disconnect for a 208/120-volt, solidly grounded system?

Does Code Section 230.95 require GFPE on a 1,000-ampere service disconnect for a 208/120-volt, solidly grounded system?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only for Three-Phase Systems
• D. Only for Non-Solidly Grounded Systems

Answer: (B)

Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment under NEC 230.95 targets large service equipment and feeders (1,000 A or more) and is used to rapidly disconnect on a ground fault. However, there is an important exception: this protection is not required for systems that are solidly grounded. In a solidly grounded 208/120 V system, the normal overcurrent protection at the service disconnect is already designed to interrupt a ground fault quickly, so applying GFPE per 230.95 isn’t required. That’s why a 1,000 A service disconnect on a solidly grounded 208/120 V system does not mandate GFPE protection. If the system were not solidly grounded (or were ungrounded/high-impedance grounded), GFPE would be a consideration.

Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment under NEC 230.95 targets large service equipment and feeders (1,000 A or more) and is used to rapidly disconnect on a ground fault. However, there is an important exception: this protection is not required for systems that are solidly grounded. In a solidly grounded 208/120 V system, the normal overcurrent protection at the service disconnect is already designed to interrupt a ground fault quickly, so applying GFPE per 230.95 isn’t required. That’s why a 1,000 A service disconnect on a solidly grounded 208/120 V system does not mandate GFPE protection. If the system were not solidly grounded (or were ungrounded/high-impedance grounded), GFPE would be a consideration.