Does NEC Require GFCI for 3 phase motors????????????????

Status
Not open for further replies.

PumpGuy

Member
Location
Euless, TX
I have a Submersible Pump with a 20HP, 230V, 3phase, 60Hz Explosion Proof Motor and need to know if a GFCI is required in the control panel? It looked like an article I found on NEC 680 said GFCI was required, but then later I found a place saying in 2014 NEC only required it on 1phase motors. What are the current requirements for 3phase motors that are permanently terminated in the control panel? Furthermore, does it have to be people or equipment protected? I am using a 100amp breaker.

Just need to know what NEC requires.

THANK YOU
 

Dennis Alwon

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
For swimming pools you need only be concerned about single phase motors

680.21(C) GFCI Protection. Outlets supplying pool pump motors
connected to single-phase, 120-volt through 240-volt
branch circuits, whether by receptacle or by direct connection,
shall be provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter
protection for personnel.
 

Dennis Alwon

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
It looks like there is no out for you on fountains-- 680.51(A). I am assuming submersible. If it is not submersible then I don't think you need to have gfci but I am not certain.

680.51 Luminaires, Submersible Pumps, and Other Submersible Equipment.


(A) Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter. Luminaires, submersible
pumps, and other submersible equipment, unless
listed for operation at low voltage contact limit or less and
supplied by a transformer or power supply that complies
with 680.23(A)(2), shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit
interrupter.
 

jim dungar

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Wisconsin
Occupation
PE (Retired) - Power Systems
To my knowledge ther are no UL Listed 3-phase GFCI (trip at nominal 5mA).
There are however GFPE (non-people protection) devices that trip at higher values (30mA seems to be a common low end).
 

Dennis Alwon

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
This is obviously a place where the nec has not made a change that is needed. Why would a gfci be required for the fountain and not a pool.

I was thinking of the device posted that would be required to satisfy this section. Seems like it won't do that either
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top