UL has issued major revisions to UL 943, the Standard for Safety for GFCI that take effect on June 29, 2015:

1.)    Auto-Monitoring or Self-Test function: This function allows for periodic, automatic testing of the ability of the GFCI to respond to a ground fault.  If the Self-Test function detects a problem the GFCI must deny power or provide visual and/or audible indication.

2.)    Reverse line-load miswire function – repeated: If the line cable is wired to the load terminals of a receptacle GFCI, power to the receptacle face will be denied.  This requirement applies to the initial installation and any subsequent reinstallations.

To maintain UL certification all manufacturers must meet these revisions with GFCI’s produced after June 28, 2015.  Legrand has a new 1597/2097 Pass and Seymour GFCI receptacle that will meet these requirements.  We will start production of the new 1597/2097 GFCI in November, 2014 to insure a smooth transition.

The 2014 NEC®, Section 406.9 (B) (1) now requires these covers to be listed and identified as “Extra Duty.” The “Extra-Duty” covers are evaluated to more demanding test requirements than a standard cover. Previously, the requirement for “Extra-Duty” covers only applied to enclosures supported by grade, not one- and two-family dwellings. There was concern that covers were being damaged in residential and commercial installations.