Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2026

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2026

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We hope that the ADLL code enforcement division will give clear direction and a timetable for complying; i.e., will it apply to systems installed after the decision or be retroactive to September 1? I only mention that because I know some folks will ask. I don’t think that will be a problem because our folks are folks, too. They understand that complying takes time and sufficient notice. When that does happen, remember that our law may allow us to run 75 feet of electrical but it is to a disconnect box. Act 746 2025 Section 2 (1). While some of our folks may change out a disconnect box, it really isn’t in our law and the day will come when state and municipal authorities will address the issue. At that point, we may need some legislation— or maybe not. We’ll keep you posted on “GFCIs Coming? Yes or No.”

GFCIs Coming? Yes or No

The exception to the National Electric Code (NEC) that exempts outdoor HVAC equipment form GFCI protection expires on September 1. That is the same day you are receiving this NewsMagazine. The question is, “Is it really?” Good question. The answer is, “Yes, but”. ACCA and AHRI are petitioning NFPA for a delay. The history is that the 2020 NEC included a GFCI protection requirement on outdoor air conditioners and heat pumps. Why? As you probably know and perhaps experienced, present GFCI breakers are not compatible with some equipment, especially inverter systems and mini-splits. The reason we have not been using GFCIs is that AHRI, ACCA and the homebuilders requested an exemption until this September, 9-1-2026. This most request, Tentative Interim Amendment, would extend the waiver till September 1, 2028. They originally asked for September 1, 2029 but compromised. NFAP has placed the request into public-comment. Those comments are due by September 9, 2026. So what are we as the HVACR industry to do. Here is my understanding based conversations with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing HVACR program and electrical. In summary, no decision has been made. It seems that everyone is waiting for the NFPA/ NEC decision. How long will that take? Again, a good question. One article quoting AHRI, “25 states have independently removed the expiration date, clarified that HVAC equipment should be exempt, or deleted the requirement out right.”