Article 620

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eh3101

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I have some elevator pits where we are using an oil-minder sump pump system to remove water from the pits and alarm when oil is detected in the water. With this system, the pump in the pit is actually connected to a control/alarm panel located in the elevator machine room. It receives its power from the control panel. We have connected the plug on the control panel to a GFCI receptacle in the machine room. I have run into an inspector who is citing Section 620.85 (2002) indicating that the sump pump is not permitted to be connected to a GFCI receptacle. Section 620.85 reads "A single receptacle supplying a permanently installed sump pump shall not require ground fault interruper protection". The way I read this is that a GFCI is not required, but there would be no issue if a GFCI receptacle was used, as opposed to a GFCI receptacle is not permitted to supply the sump pump.

Does my interpretation sound valid?

Thanks
 
The only thing I can think of is that if the GFI receptacle were to nusiance trip you would lose your sump pump and possibly flood an area that is supposed to be dry.
 
Yeah, I would be a bit leary of putting that pump on a GFCI due to the increased risk of a flood. However, the inspector should be telling you that this is a local requirement because his code reference just doesn't hold water! (Hold water????......Ooooohhhhhhh! :shock: )
:D :D
 
That is a good point, but it seems no different to me as if if the circuit breaker or the thermal pump overload was to trip. I guess a GFCI is more likely to trip than a CB or overload.
 
In the case of a sump pump, it has to do with the environment. These things are usually in a very damp, dirty, mucky environment where ground faults are more likely to occur. I have had occasions when working in that type of environment where I just could not keep from tripping a GFCI with my extension cord and power tools! (another good argument for the use of battery tools now!!!)
 
there would be no issue if a GFCI receptacle was used
Click to expand...

You could argue it, but any inspector would expect a non-GFCI receptacle here. This looks as if it's not readily accessible, much less in plain view, if there is a problem. 120.8(b) for GFCIs in nonresidential says they're required for bathrooms, rooftops and kitchens. Query is this a receptacle which the general public will plug something into...

Found a smiley! 120.8.b = 120.8(b) = 120.(8)(b) wow mom
 
The GFCI protection is optional with a single receptacle. You can use it on the sump pump if you prefer. 620.85 says nothing about not allowing GFCI protection on a sump pump. In fact, a duplex receptacle for the pump would require GFCI protection. Tell the inspector to read the section again.
 
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