In the past, when wiring pool & spa installations, I would use a subpanel at the pool equipment to handle all the associated loads. Instead of using individual GFCI breakers for the branch circuits I would use a GFCI breaker in the main panel to protect everything in the pool panel. Specifically I would use a Square D QO250GFI breaker with a neutral connection. Someone informed me that the installation is incorrect. Do any of you know if this set up is a violation of the code or the manufacturers spec. I called Square D and got two different answers and can?t find any reference in the code that dis-allows my practice.
GFCI feeding sub panel
- Thread starter jzadroga
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Logan, Utah
680.23(A)(3) requires the GFCI protection for underwater luminaires to be located in the branch circuit supplying the luminaire.
Chris
Chris
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I wrote a proposal for this just to see if that was the cmp's intent.
I think it would work for the pumps though, and may be a good way to handle it if you have two or more pumps. The 50A onees seem to be the least expensive ones to buy too, since you can get them in Spa kits and at least get some extra toys for less than the price of a smaller double pole GFCI.
Then use a GFCI receptacle or dead front for the pool lighting.
The only drawback will be if you have a current leak, the whole panel goes dead. My pool light sometimes trips the GFCI if people have been doing cannonballs in the pool. I think water is being forced up to the above ground junction box. I put the (expensive) potting compound goop in the top of that conduit and it still does it. Maybe its condensation in the box, not sure. But it isn't nice if a stupid light circuit leak takes out the entire pool system.
I'm considering having a small panel for the lighting circuits with a GFCI feeder off of that for the pumps and outside receptacles.
Then use a GFCI receptacle or dead front for the pool lighting.
The only drawback will be if you have a current leak, the whole panel goes dead. My pool light sometimes trips the GFCI if people have been doing cannonballs in the pool. I think water is being forced up to the above ground junction box. I put the (expensive) potting compound goop in the top of that conduit and it still does it. Maybe its condensation in the box, not sure. But it isn't nice if a stupid light circuit leak takes out the entire pool system.
I'm considering having a small panel for the lighting circuits with a GFCI feeder off of that for the pumps and outside receptacles.
- Status