Bathroom Whirlpool GFCI protected

[southern electric]

In our area there are some who install a GFCI outlet next to the motor for the residential whirlpool tub. I have been using a GFI circuit breaker. The way I understand the GFCI outlet device is that it is not horsepower rated thereby cannot be used for a whirlpool installation. Some electricians feel that it can. They also like to use the GFCI outlet because it is cheaper. Is the GFCI outlet allow for this installation? Thanks!!

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Bathroom Whirlpool GFCI protected

Article 680.70 covers the requirements for Hydromassage Bathtubs. (Whirpool is a manufacturers name)

680.71 states the requirements for GFCI protection. Other than that, there is not much help on specifics for the actual wiring materials and methods used. In this case, manufacturers specifications and instructions should be used. Most come with factory cord-and-plug attachments already installed for use with receptacles.

The horsepower rating issue is generally for disconnecting means. 430.109(F) states that a receptacle can be used as the disconnecting means if it has an equal or higher rating than the motor that is being cord-and-plug connected, or you can meet the requirements of 422.33. This section refers you back to 422.31(B) which states the branch circuit circuit breaker may servce as the disconnecting means if within sight or able to locked in the open position.

 

[goldstar]

Re: Bathroom Whirlpool GFCI protected

This is just a suggestion.

Several years ago an inspector made this observation - it made sense to me and I've been installing receptacles this way for hydro-tubs ever since. I used to install a GFI receptacle next to the motor under the hydro-tub in a master bath. This (in most cases) isn't readily accessable nor is a GFI circuit breaker located in a remote breaker panel readily accessable. He said that he could not site me for a violation but said that if the GFI receptacle (or breaker) happened to trip, the homeowner would have to open the access panel (sometimes located inside a closet adjacent to the hydro-tub motor location) or go to the breaker panel to reset. He suggested that I install a faceless GFI on a wall inside the master bath and feed a standard receptacle next to the motor. That way the GFI feature could be tested on a regular basis.

This is a bit more expensive way to do this and not required by code but it seemed like the right thing to do. Also, if you use a GFI breaker and it happens to trip, you don't know if it trips because of a ground fault condition or an over load. If I had to pick one or the other, I would use a GFI receptacle rather than a breaker.

[ April 26, 2004, 06:38 AM: Message edited by: goldstar ]

 

[torint]

Re: Bathroom Whirlpool GFCI protected

Goldstar. I recently finished my basement with a hydro-tub and as I was installing the GFCI ckt I thought it would be a pain for the user to take off panel covers or go to the breaker to reset the ckt so I decided to use a faceless GFCI. It is convenient and now I suggest them to my customers.