Does a 240V pool heater require GFCI?

[tx2step]

For a permanently installed public use pool:
Does a 240V single phase, hard wired heater require GFCI protection?
I've looked at 680.22 and don't see any requirement there -- am I missing it there or anywhere else?

Thanks!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Not unless the equipment states it needs a gfci. NEC does not require it

 

[tx2step]

OK, great! Thank you!!!

 

[FionaZuppa]

monkey wrench ??


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Safety Alert
Install Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
CPSC Document #5039
TO PREVENT ELECTROCUTION:
• Install GFCIs
- On underwater lighting circuits operating at more than
15 volts.
- On all electrical equipment used with pools, spas and
hot tubs, including heaters operated on 240-volt
circuits.

 

[dkidd]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[iwire]

Thanks for the heads up.

You understand that is strictly a recommendation not a requirement and one that is not generally a followed in my experience.

 

[dkidd]

You understand that is strictly a recommendation not a requirement and one that is not generally a followed in my experience.

Yes, only a recommendation from the CPSC. That would play well in court

 

[iwire]

Yes, only a recommendation from the CPSC. That would play well in court

I am not worried about it.

 

[FionaZuppa]

just my 2cents, anything electrical near pool or electrical items that have pool water pumping through them, should have gfi. more so for public pools. i can understand if it were 10,000 pools and a gfi breaker was $30 more than std breaker, then there's room to discuss cost vs safety.

1) doesnt hurt to use gfi breaker
2) better safety
3) possible insurance discount

 

[iwire]

The OP asked if a GFCI is required, the answer is no.

We are always allowed to go beyond the requirements if we choose.

 

[FionaZuppa]

The OP asked if a GFCI is required, the answer is no.

We are always allowed to go beyond the requirements if we choose.

understood, required by NEC code, no. required? MAYBE. maybe the AHJ does require it, maybe AHJ has the CPSC doc listed as a requirement, who knows, i was just saying i would recommend use of GFI for anything related to pool.

i suspect OP only asked about NEC because perhaps he was stuck in NEC only.... as always, NEC is not the AHJ, and in some cases is lacking in best practices.