GFI for sump pump??

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jeff48356

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Livonia, Michigan
I just failed a final inspection for a new house only because the outlet for the sump pump in the basement wasn't a GFI. I had a single TR outlet on a dedicated 15A circuit for it, which is all that was required the last time I installed one. But this makes no sense. A sump pump is the last thing you would want on a GFI. What if it nuisance-trips unknowingly? Then you get water in your basement. Is there a new NEC code that requires GFI protection for this?
 
jeff48356 said:
I just failed a final inspection for a new house only because the outlet for the sump pump in the basement wasn't a GFI. I had a single TR outlet on a dedicated 15A circuit for it, which is all that was required the last time I installed one. But this makes no sense. A sump pump is the last thing you would want on a GFI. What if it nuisance-trips unknowingly? Then you get water in your basement. Is there a new NEC code that requires GFI protection for this?
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Depends on the location but typically these are in unfinished basements which have required GFCI protection for single receptacles since the 2008 NEC.
 
jeff48356 said:
I just failed a final inspection for a new house only because the outlet for the sump pump in the basement wasn't a GFI. I had a single TR outlet on a dedicated 15A circuit for it, which is all that was required the last time I installed one. But this makes no sense. A sump pump is the last thing you would want on a GFI. What if it nuisance-trips unknowingly? Then you get water in your basement. Is there a new NEC code that requires GFI protection for this?
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In addition to the previous replies, most sump pump installation instructions require them to be GFCI protected.
 
packersparky said:
In addition to the previous replies, most sump pump installation instructions require them to be GFCI protected.
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I've never seen that do you have a link? I took a look at Liberty sump pumps and no mention of GFCI protection.
 
Ohio made this change a few years back

Section 210.8(A)(5) shall be modified to read: Unfinished basements – for the 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.

Exceptions:
1. A receptacle supplying only a permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall not be required to have groundfault circuit-interrupter protection.

2. A single receptacle located to serve a sump pump shall not be required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection when there is a duplex receptacle with ground-fault circuitinterrupter protection within six (6) feet of the sump pump.


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jxofaltrds said:
Ohio made this change a few years back

Section 210.8(A)(5) shall be modified to read: Unfinished basements – for the 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.

Exceptions:
1. A receptacle supplying only a permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall not be required to have groundfault circuit-interrupter protection.

2. A single receptacle located to serve a sump pump shall not be required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection when there is a duplex receptacle with ground-fault circuitinterrupter protection within six (6) feet of the sump pump.


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Similar rule in Wisconsin. Except when the installation requirements say it is required, GFCI protection has to be used.
 
packersparky said:
Superior pump "strongly recommends" the use of GFCI. :) http://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/b1/b1847982-95ce-49fa-9e26-b4b339f7a98e.pdf
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Sealed sump pits are common here due to high radon readings. If the pit is sealed and only a cord is exposed, is GFCI protection at the receptacle really a concern?

I'm all for safety but does 90.1(A) come to mind? I think Ohio's change was to prevent persons from unplugging the pump and using the sump receptacle in an unfinished basement.

If the sump was in a small closet, also common here with a finished basement, would a GFCI be required? I think so but not sure if it would be a big deal.

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jxofaltrds said:
Ohio made this change a few years back

Section 210.8(A)(5) shall be modified to read: Unfinished basements – for the 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.

Exceptions:
1. A receptacle supplying only a permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm system shall not be required to have groundfault circuit-interrupter protection.

2. A single receptacle located to serve a sump pump shall not be required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection when there is a duplex receptacle with ground-fault circuitinterrupter protection within six (6) feet of the sump pump.


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Click to expand...


When did this happen?
Can I get a copy of this amendment please?
Is this statewide or regional?
I have been using the alarm type GFCI but I know of a couple jobs in the past that have left the homeowners with a flooded basement. Guess the insurance companies aren’t to keen on gfi’ing sump pumps?
 
Last edited:
mopowr steve said:
When did this happen?
Can I get a copy of this amendment please?
Is this statewide or regional?
I have been using the alarm type GFCI but I know of a couple jobs in the past that have left the homeowners with a flooded basement. Guess the insurance companies aren’t to keen on gfi’ing sump pumps?
Click to expand...
Try https://www.com.ohio.gov/documents/dico_ResidentialCodeAmendEffJanuary2016.pdf

If not go to https://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/bbs/ then to codes then to 1,2,3 family and look for amendments

You can also ask to be sent update. If you still have questions call the Board and they will help you. Very friendly 614.644.2613

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Here in NJ a single receptacle without GFCI protection is permitted in an unfinished basement. If it were required I would use a 240 volt pump.
 
jxofaltrds said:
Sealed sump pits are common here due to high radon readings. If the pit is sealed and only a cord is exposed, is GFCI protection at the receptacle really a concern?

I'm all for safety but does 90.1(A) come to mind? I think Ohio's change was to prevent persons from unplugging the pump and using the sump receptacle in an unfinished basement.

If the sump was in a small closet, also common here with a finished basement, would a GFCI be required? I think so but not sure if it would be a big deal.

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Click to expand...

For the sealed pit example, the concern would be that someone could use the sump pump receptacle for other uses.

If the small closet is finished, no GFCI required unless dictated by the mfr.

The finished vs unfinished has always been a bit of a mystery to me. Electrons cannot tell the difference. Here it is common to have stained concrete floors in finished basements. A person standing barefoot has a similar risk whether the concrete is stained or not.
 
retirede said:
For the sealed pit example, the concern would be that someone could use the sump pump receptacle for other uses.

If the small closet is finished, no GFCI required unless dictated by the mfr.

The finished vs unfinished has always been a bit of a mystery to me. Electrons cannot tell the difference. Here it is common to have stained concrete floors in finished basements. A person standing barefoot has a similar risk whether the concrete is stained or not.
Click to expand...

Before they eliminated that "single receptacle" for specific appliance rule I would occasionally find a triple tap plugged into such receptacles and see other equipment powered from said receptacle.

HO's don't usually know exactly what a GFCI does, but they do know they sometimes trip and will avoid using them. Several times I have seen situations of GFCI and regular duplex in same 2 gang box - regular duplex of course connected to load side of the GFCI. They often plug things into the regular duplex but not the GFCI not knowing it doesn't really matter.
 
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