Gfci-type receptacle protecting gas furnace condensate pump

[smallfish]

Do you know of any reasons why a gas-furnace condensate pump should not be protected by a gfci-type receptacle in an unfinished basement as is required by 2008NEC Section 210.8 (A) (5)?

There is a lot of unknowing and resistance among home-owners and contractors to meet this code requirement.

Thanks

 

[ptonsparky]

I don'tknow of any reasons that would support that decision in a court of law.

 

[Ponchik]

It may not be possible, but i assume you can't hardwire the pump?

 

[ceb58]

to meet this code requirement.

And that closes the conversation about it.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

This is a rather sticky issue everywhere. As soon as they have problems with the pump they want to disconnect the gfci. I believe they make a hard wired pump but I think they are 240V. I have not seen a 120V unit but the hvac market needs to come up with one, IMO.

 

[tom baker]

If the GFCis trips its doing its job. GFCIs are very reliable these days, older ones, not so much.

 

[pete m.]

If the GFCis trips its doing its job. GFCIs are very reliable these days, older ones, not so much.

What got changed in the GFCI technology to make them more reliable? I was under the impression that the appliances were being manufactured to a stricter standard with less leakage current?

Pete

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If the GFCis trips its doing its job. GFCIs are very reliable these days, older ones, not so much.

Granted and understood but the reason the gfci is there is not for the pump it is because someone may use the outlet. Thus a hard wired pump would not need gfci. So yes the gfci is doing its job but technically it is not supposed to protect the pump.