Is GFCI Required for Electric Pool Heater?

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Coppersmith

Coppersmith

Senior Member
Location
Tampa, FL, USA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
I'm working under 2014 NEC. I'm looking at section 680, but I must be missing it. This is a 50 or 60 amp heater. GFCI required?
 
Of course, you are free to install gfci if you want however it is not required unless it is gas and you are under the 2017... I know the OP said 2014-- this is for othes

Nec 2017 said:
680.28 Gas-Fired Water Heater. Circuits serving gas-fired
swimming pool and spa water heaters operating at voltages
above the low-voltage contact limit shall be provided with
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
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It almost appears that the NEC has overlooked this but I am guessing they are aware. It may be an issue for the heat pumps, IDK.
 
Let us know what the installation instructions say about it. Whether it calls out connecting to a GFCI circuit
 
JGinIndy said:
Yes 210.8(F)
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That's a tricky one. I am not sure it would apply to equipment not intended for the dwelling unit and is located at a different structure. Although, considering the reason for the change I would have to agree with you.

Here is the reason

This code change came as a result of a child’s death. On August 3, 2007, a 12-year-old child jumped over a chain link fence and landed on the adjacent AC condenser unit. The condenser had an electrical ground fault which caused the unit's metal housing to become electrified. The child was fatally electrocuted when he made contact simultaneously with both the condenser and the metal fence.
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It took 13 years from when that child died to make this requirement.
 
Dennis thank you for the info sad but glad you shared. That’s how the changes happen slow but sure.
 
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