Is GFCI required for a motorized wash basin?

[scotteng]

I have a client that uses a Power Soak unit, which is large tub of water with a motor and heater for recirculating hot water for pot and pan washing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmgyuydN940

The client connects the motor/heater via a HD-Pro GFCI unit. They also bond the branch circuit EG to the sink. This HD-Pro GFCI unit gives them trouble via false trips...probably due to motor leakage current.

The manufacturer states that the GFCI unit is not required. The client that it is due to NEC 680. I am of the belief that a wash tub doesn't fit within the scope of NEC 680 in that it is not a swimming pool, wading pool, therapeutic pool, decorative pool, fountain, hot tub, spa, hydro-massage bathtub or similar. Client feels immersion of employee hands in sink makes 680 applicable.

Any thoughts on applicability of NEC 680 or another section?

 

[iceworm]

... Any thoughts on applicability of NEC 680 or another section?

I'm not familiar with art 680. No help there. However:

... This HD-Pro GFCI unit gives them trouble via false trips...probably due to motor leakage current. ...

...Client feels immersion of employee hands in sink makes 680 applicable

The client wants the GFCI protection. You think it may be leaking. Mayabe it falls under the catagory of, "What difference does it make what the code says - It's okay to fix it."

ice

 

[LEO2854]

I have a client that uses a Power Soak unit, which is large tub of water with a motor and heater for recirculating hot water for pot and pan washing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmgyuydN940

The client connects the motor/heater via a HD-Pro GFCI unit. They also bond the branch circuit EG to the sink. This HD-Pro GFCI unit gives them trouble via false trips...probably due to motor leakage current.

The manufacturer states that the GFCI unit is not required. The client that it is due to NEC 680. I am of the belief that a wash tub doesn't fit within the scope of NEC 680 in that it is not a swimming pool, wading pool, therapeutic pool, decorative pool, fountain, hot tub, spa, hydro-massage bathtub or similar. Client feels immersion of employee hands in sink makes 680 applicable.

Any thoughts on applicability of NEC 680 or another section?

680 does not apply in this case.

As long as the sink is grounded properly there should not be an issue.

 

[tom baker]

680 does not apply in this case.

As long as the sink is grounded properly there should not be an issue.

So if the equipment had a 5 amp ground fault, would you wash pots in the sink?

 

[kwired]

It is not a ART 680 application, unless it doubles as a hot tub or hydromassage tub

GFCI protection is likely not required, some specific details could still make it a requirement like if it is 120 volt cord and plug connected and in a location that would require GFCI for the receptacle regardless of what is intended to be plugged in, but at same time GFCI is not prohibited by NEC.

If it is tripping GFCI, I myself would want to know why, as this is concerning matter for future potential shock risk. Could be as simple as water enters an enclosure with live parts that maybe should be sealed better, or a inadvertent neutral to ground connection somewhere in that equipment.

You mentioned GFCI trip may be due to motor leakage current - why is it leaking current - this wouldn't be something desired and IMO would need to be fixed so it don't happen anymore.

I could see "inductive kickback" being an issue for "false tripping". If that is the case you probably need to spend a little more $$$ on the GFCI you are using and this may solve that problem. Cheap units don't have kickback filtering, better units do.