Lift Station Submersible Pump

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vw55

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We have an installation that requires a lift station to interface with the city water line. 680.51 refers to submersible pumps in a fountain installation. 680.2 defines fountains - whose definition does not include non-fountain lift stations. Is it appropriate to require GFCI protection on a submersible lift station pump based on 680.51? The lift station is located near the street and in a concrete well with a traffic rated lid.
 
I've never seen a lift station where GFCI protection was required (other than arcing ground fault for equipment protection). The personnel protection type GFCIs are typically required where there is possible contact with people and the water, something that would fall outside of the normal use of a lift station (at least one would hope). Are you being pressured by someone to do this?
 
The articles requiring GFCIs are getting pretty straight forward. They are required everywhere outside with the exception of snow melt equipment and that is only some of the time. But this is only for 15 and 20 amp 120v receptacles.
 
Article 680 does not apply to lift stations. Take a look at the scope statement:
680.1 Scope.
The provisions of this article apply to the construction and installation of electrical wiring for, and equipment in or adjacent to, all swimming, wading, therapeutic, and decorative pools; fountains; hot tubs; spas; and hydromassage bathtubs, whether permanently installed or storable, and to metallic auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, filters, and similar equipment. The term body of water used throughout Part I applies to all bodies of water covered in this scope unless otherwise amended.
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The rules in 680 only apply to the types of installations listed in the scope. I don't see anything at is even close to a lift station.
 
I totally agree with Don-- Art. 680 is about pools and fountains not sewer lift pumps. If the sewer lift pump is a cord and plug 120v and it is installed in any of the locations that require GFCI then yes you need a GFCI.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Article 680 does not apply to lift stations. Take a look at the scope statement:

The rules in 680 only apply to the types of installations listed in the scope. I don't see anything at is even close to a lift station.
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I agree with you on the scope of 680. The local AHJ has interpreted 680.51 as applicable to the lift station. How do I educate him?
 
Jraef said:
I've never seen a lift station where GFCI protection was required (other than arcing ground fault for equipment protection). The personnel protection type GFCIs are typically required where there is possible contact with people and the water, something that would fall outside of the normal use of a lift station (at least one would hope). Are you being pressured by someone to do this?
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Yes, the AHJ is requiring GFCI protection...he has even gone so far as to state he specifically wants a 30/3 GFI breaker (pump is served at 480V)! Panel is already installed and after-market GFI module and connections will cost a few thousand dollars. Any suggestions in how to sway the AHJ's opinion/misinterpretation?
 
vw55 said:
I agree with you on the scope of 680. The local AHJ has interpreted 680.51 as applicable to the lift station. How do I educate him?
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Remind him that article 680 is for a fountain. A sewer lift is not in a fountain. Also ask him where in the code it requires a 480 pump to be GFCI proteced. I don't believe it is available.
 
Lets keep in mind the OP did not say it was sewer, as a matter of fact he said....

lift station to interface with the city water line
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...... not that it changes the rules, but can eliminate the septic jokes.:)
 
winnie said:
Or go back to the engineer and get a design for a decorative sewage fountain. *grin*

-Jon
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I don't know what a "lift station" would be with regards to a "city water line"; the two concepts seem incongruous to me. A gravity fed water system perhaps? I too just assumed he meant a sewage lift station.

What I believe you must do is to take it to a higher authority. In fact, assuming this is a contract job with an Engineer involved, I would spin it back to them with a change order request for the thousands of dollars it will cost, along with a report on the extremely high likelihood that the GFCI will be in a tripped state almost continuously! I have NEVER seen submersible lift station pump that didn't have some amount of leakage to ground through the motor insulation, cable, connections etc. A personnel protection GFCI will have to be set to trip at 5ma if I remember correctly. No way that is not going to trip.
 
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