GFCI required on outside of single family dwelling for 120V corded sump pump...

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EEEC

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Benicia, CA, USA
A GFCI is required on outside of single family dwelling for 120V corded sump pump based on 210.8 (A)(3), no exceptions correct? I know I'm beating a dead horse with this one, but I might have to go through litigation so I want to be sure. He wanted me to install a regular receptacle for the pump, but I refused because not only is it against code, but I didn't/don't want to be responsible for electrocuting anyone! So of course the GFCI tripped and the basement flooded. I tried to tell him that the pump had to have caused the GFCI to trip, and since I didn't provide the pump, I'm not responsible for the floor. But the GC keeps trying to bring up 620.85, and I keep telling him that the article he is reciting is for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Platform Lifts, and Stairway Chairlifts ONLY. What are your guys thoughts in this whole matter? Thanks...

ARTICLE 620
Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators,
Moving Walks, Platform Lifts, and
Stairway Chairlifts


620.1 Scope. This article covers the installation of electrical
equipment and wiring used in connection with elevators,
dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, platform lifts,
and stairway chairlifts.


620.85 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for
Personnel. Each 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere
receptacle installed in pits, in hoistways, on elevator car
tops, and in escalator and moving walk wellways shall be
of the ground-fault circuit-interrupter type.
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles
installed in machine rooms and machinery spaces
shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for
personnel.
A single receptacle supplying a permanently installed
sump pump shall not require ground-fault circuit interrupter
protection.



For reference:

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for
Personnel. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for
personnel shall be provided as required in 210.8(A) through
(D). The ground-fault circuit-interrupter shall be installed in
a readily accessible location.
Informational Note: See 215.9 for ground-fault circuit interrupter
protection for personnel on feeders.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and
20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in
210.8(A)(1) through (10) shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter
protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a
floor located at or below grade level not intended as
habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work
areas, and areas of similar use
(3) Outdoors
Exception to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible
and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to
electric snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating
equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance
with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable.
(4) Crawl spaces — at or below grade level
(5) Unfinished basements — for purposes of this section,
unfinished basements are defined as portions or areas
of the basement not intended as habitable rooms and
limited to storage areas, work areas, and the like
Exception to (5): A receptacle supplying only a permanently
installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall
not be required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter
protection.
Informational Note: See 760.41(B) and 760.121(B) for
power supply requirements for fire alarm systems.
Receptacles installed under the exception to
210.8(A)(5) shall not be considered as meeting the
requirements of 210.52(G)
(6) Kitchens — where the receptacles are installed to
serve the countertop surfaces
(7) Sinks — where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m
(6 ft) of the outside edge of the sink
(8) Boathouses
(9) Bathtubs or shower stalls — where receptacles are
installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the
bathtub or shower stall
(10) Laundry areas


 
It is required, the GC is wrong.


If you get into this type of thing in the future try to sell them on a water alarm or a GFCI that make noise when it trips.

http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/SectionDisplay.jsp?section=65562

http://www.legrand.us/passandseymour/gfcis-outlets/audible-alarm/1595traw.aspx


Water alarms can be simple and cheap http://www.homedepot.com/p/Basement-Watchdog-Battery-Operated-Water-Alarm-BWD-HWA/100038838 or for even as little as $100 you can get one that sends emails and texts https://www.amazon.com/Water-Detector-Buzzer-Email-Alerts/dp/B00FG9Y2MC
 
Tell the GC to read the following

90.3 Code Arrangement. This Code is divided into the
introduction and nine chapters, as shown in Figure 90.3.
Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 apply generally; Chapters 5, 6, and
7 apply to special occupancies, special equipment, or other
special conditions. These latter chapters supplement or modify
the general rules. Chapters 1 through 4 apply except as
amended by Chapters 5, 6, and 7 for the particular conditions.

Chapter 8 covers communications systems and is not subject
to the requirements of Chapters 1 through 7 except where
the requirements are specifically referenced in Chapter 8.
Chapter 9 consists of tables that are applicable as referenced.
Informative annexes are not part of the requirements of
this Code but are included for informational purposes only.
Click to expand...

And

620.1 Scope. This article covers the installation of electrical
equipment and wiring used in connection with elevators,
dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, platform lifts,
and stairway chairlifts.
Click to expand...

As you can see (and already know) 620 does not apply to single family home branch circuits that have nothing to do with an elevator.
 
My only question would be, is that gfci mounted inside of the pit/tile that the sump pump is in?

1) If so, the amount of moisture in there will find its way into anything and could have comprimised the gfi.

2) If it's outside make sure there was no way water penetrated the box the gfi was in.

3) Unfortunatly due to inductive kickback of the pump motor nuisance tripping is almost next to impossible to predict.

I too wish it were a perfect world but this stuff happens, we follow the code, and some unfortunate customer is left with the mess. Good luck!
 
EEEC said:
A GFCI is required on outside of single family dwelling for 120V corded sump pump based on 210.8 (A)(3), no exceptions correct? I know I'm beating a dead horse with this one, but I might have to go through litigation so I want to be sure. He wanted me to install a regular receptacle for the pump, but I refused because not only is it against code, but I didn't/don't want to be responsible for electrocuting anyone! So of course the GFCI tripped and the basement flooded. I tried to tell him that the pump had to have caused the GFCI to trip, and since I didn't provide the pump, I'm not responsible for the floor. But the GC keeps trying to bring up 620.85, and I keep telling him that the article he is reciting is for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Platform Lifts, and Stairway Chairlifts ONLY. What are your guys thoughts in this whole matter? Thanks...

ARTICLE 620
Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators,
Moving Walks, Platform Lifts, and
Stairway Chairlifts


620.1 Scope. This article covers the installation of electrical
equipment and wiring used in connection with elevators,
dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, platform lifts,
and stairway chairlifts.


620.85 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for
Personnel. Each 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere
receptacle installed in pits, in hoistways, on elevator car
tops, and in escalator and moving walk wellways shall be
of the ground-fault circuit-interrupter type.
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles
installed in machine rooms and machinery spaces
shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for
personnel.
A single receptacle supplying a permanently installed
sump pump shall not require ground-fault circuit interrupter
protection.



For reference:

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for
Personnel. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for
personnel shall be provided as required in 210.8(A) through
(D). The ground-fault circuit-interrupter shall be installed in
a readily accessible location.
Informational Note: See 215.9 for ground-fault circuit interrupter
protection for personnel on feeders.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and
20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in
210.8(A)(1) through (10) shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter
protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a
floor located at or below grade level not intended as
habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work
areas, and areas of similar use
(3) Outdoors
Exception to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible
and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to
electric snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating
equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance
with 426.28 or 427.22, as applicable.
(4) Crawl spaces — at or below grade level
(5) Unfinished basements — for purposes of this section,
unfinished basements are defined as portions or areas
of the basement not intended as habitable rooms and
limited to storage areas, work areas, and the like
Exception to (5): A receptacle supplying only a permanently
installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall
not be required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter
protection.
Informational Note: See 760.41(B) and 760.121(B) for
power supply requirements for fire alarm systems.
Receptacles installed under the exception to
210.8(A)(5) shall not be considered as meeting the
requirements of 210.52(G)
(6) Kitchens — where the receptacles are installed to
serve the countertop surfaces
(7) Sinks — where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m
(6 ft) of the outside edge of the sink
(8) Boathouses
(9) Bathtubs or shower stalls — where receptacles are
installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the
bathtub or shower stall
(10) Laundry areas
Click to expand...


Whoever is trying to apply Article 620 to this installation is lost.
 
Thanks iwire! Those are some GREAT solutions!

And to answer your question mopowr, it is actually a recessed single gang "blue" box with a clear in use cover. Your standard "run of the mill" exterior GFCI outlet (on a dedicated circuit)....

I appreciate the input fellas!
 
Everyone's right on the code interpretation, obviously. In addition to being right about the mandatory GFCI, you may also have other legal defenses to this claim. Depending on your contract terms and state law, the homeowner may not be able to sue you for the flooring damage, and the contractor may not either. Something called the "economic loss rule" could prohibit this claim, depending on the details. Definitely consult a construction law attorney sooner rather than later to make sure your defense is solid from the start. It could get messy.




Obligatory disclaimer: I am an attorney, but not your attorney, and this is not intended as legal advice to you or for your specific situation. This does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is just public discussion of a general issue.
 
EEEC said:
I live and work in California ;)
Click to expand...

Yeah, I had checked your location when I was first wondering about an outdoor sump pump outlet.

Another way to go is see if they can find a pump listed for hardwiring and no GFCI would be required. Of course then you need a disconnecting means at the pump.
 
The concept of having the sump pump outside is getting a little catchy. As some builders that do not have natural fall for foundation tile to dump to will typically run tile into a sump pit inside the basement, well you get a dealuge of rain and guess what......sump can't keep up and basement floods. So now people are putting the sump pit outside for the foundation tiles to tie into.
What I've seen is something like a 16" or so tile ran vertically down to a depth that the foundation tiles will come into the sides and a sump pump is lowered all the way down in it and the piped out to some convenient location.
 
EEEC said:
You have no idea! :slaphead: The guy is a 'roid head who thinks he knows everything!
Click to expand...

Well make sure you CYA. , You live and work in CA . The cards are generally stacked against you.
Hopefully you performed good work throughout the project and the customer as no beef with your workmanship.
Hopefully your contract is with the GC as the that way if a complaint is filed with the board they cannot hang their hat on some technicality missing from your contract. If so that would negate any issue with the GFCI and find you automatically guilty of the contract law.

Good luck and keep it good.
 
Just curious, what source of water regularly finds its way into a basement sump like this? istm a better solution than notification systems would be a redundant pump on another circuit (or possibly a battery powered backup), or reducing/eliminating the water going into the sump. Was this a pump for the septic tank?

You sound like you provided a code-compliant install; if so, I would think you not liable for any damages incurred by a device connected to that install, especially one you did not provide.

eta: btw, even if this were an elevator pit, 620.85 does not prohibit GFCI protection, so his (the GC's) argument fails a second time
 
Agree with Iwire. Leave the GFCI there. Hard wire the pump to its own circuit with a outside disconnect. Which is what they should have asked for knowing the consequences if the pump failed to operate. Also, at this point, maybe a GFCI breaker would be a better choice if the receptacle is in a very moist area.
 
teco said:
Agree with Iwire. Leave the GFCI there. Hard wire the pump to its own circuit with a outside disconnect. Which is what they should have asked for knowing the consequences if the pump failed to operate. Also, at this point, maybe a GFCI breaker would be a better choice if the receptacle is in a very moist area.
Click to expand...

i would use gfi ocpd and skip the gfi receptacle.

seems like by code you are fine. if the GC is a pita it may find some electricians that will state using gfci receptacle for this application and location is a bad thing due to some of the issues already mentioned by other posts here. the worst GC can do is make you look bad, no liability though. my reply to GC would be, "it's to code and i was only responsible for the wiring piece of the setup".

many of the plumbing shops across the US sell those small battery powered water buzz items, "flood buzz pro" or the like, ~$10. they are however only good if someone is around to hear it, AND, a flood has started.

for next install like this, as a suggestion to the owner, you might be able to find a small plug-in alarm that if power is lost it makes siren sound, a sound before the flood, etc. then upsell the item by 50% or more :), if they dont buy it then write your suggestion on the bill copy :thumbsup:

my own vaulted spa outside i have a sump pump, rain storm + power outage is still a risk regardless of gfi, etc. i am still debating if i should invest in batt + inverter that has built-in xfer switch. this type of inverter is also an item you can suggest if the sump pump is protecting critical or expensive stuff, etc.
 
Last edited:
teco said:
..... Hard wire the pump to its own circuit with a outside disconnect. Which is what they should have asked for knowing the consequences if the pump failed to operate..
Click to expand...

iwire said:
That option is only available if the pump is listed for hardwiring.
Click to expand...

Yes. And finding a resi sump pump that doesn't come with a factory wired cord and plug is not easy.

FWIW 240V pump would not need GFCI protection. I think that might change in '17.
 
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