Sauna GFCI?

[Tdubya90]

Hi all, I'm installing a circuit that goes out to a separate structure for a sauna. This sauna heater is the type you have rocks on and pour water over according to the customer. I would think that would need GFCI protection buy I didn't see anything in the manual or NEC. Has anyone else came across something similar?
Thanks

 

[Little Bill]

I would think it would fall under the same requirement for sheds, garages, etc. Why not just install the GFCI and cover your bases?

 

[JEDDY]

I know our Sauna Manufacture Says not to use GFCI it will cause nuisance trips. That is the 230v ones. The 120v plug in Saunas will cause the GFCI to buzz really bad.

 

[Tdubya90]

Yes, it's a 30 amp 240v so no where in the code does it say a 240v hardwired appliance should be gfci protected as far as I know...

 

[retirede]

Yes, it's a 30 amp 240v so no where in the code does it say a 240v hardwired appliance should be gfci protected as far as I know...

What year NEC? 2023 says ‘yes’ for your application (accessory building):

 

[Tdubya90]

Yes, but that says 150v or less. This sauna is 240v. Wouldn't an outlet mean that it plugs in and not hardwired?

 

[LarryFine]

Yes, but that says 150v or less. This sauna is 240v. Wouldn't an outlet mean that it plugs in and not hardwired?

It doesn't say 150v line-to-ground?

 

[Dsg319]

Yes, but that says 150v or less. This sauna is 240v. Wouldn't an outlet mean that it plugs in and not hardwired?

240v circuit is 120v to ground.

In a residence anyways.

 

[Tdubya90]

Okay, I get it. It seems a little strange though. I just left it off the gfci. Why wouldn't the manual state to put it on a gfci? Seems like that would be in the manual... I think it's typical to install plugs on gfci but not hardwired appliances.

 

[Tdubya90]

I mean, by that logic you'd have to start putting condensers on gfci

 

[Tdubya90]

Cuz they're outside and under 150v yo ground.

 

[retirede]

I mean, by that logic you'd have to start putting condensers on gfci

Yep. There’s a lengthy thread about that!

 

[Tdubya90]

Oh really? What was the verdict? There's no way anyone is putting gfcis on condensers.

 

[Tdubya90]

I think the following code section would mean that it doesn't need GFCI protection as it isn't a receptacle nor is it at or below grade and isn't used only for storage or work.

 

[retirede]

I think the following code section would mean that it doesn't need GFCI protection as it isn't a receptacle nor is it at or below grade and isn't used only for storage or work.
View attachment 2574760

Your screen shot only show “A”. Look at B - F.

 

[Little Bill]

I think the following code section would mean that it doesn't need GFCI protection as it isn't a receptacle nor is it at or below grade and isn't used only for storage or work.

If it isn't at, or below, grade, is it up in the air, or 2nd floor of a building?

 

[Tdubya90]

Well B is for non dwelling units. and F says for dwillings, all outdoor outlets, other than those covered in 210.8A which it was covered in A as not needed. It is also not outdoor. It is indoor inside the sauna building.

Yes, it is up about 1 foot above grade.

 

[retirede]

Well B is for non dwelling units. and F says for dwillings, all outdoor outlets, other than those covered in 210.8A which it was covered in A as not needed. It is also not outdoor. It is indoor inside the sauna building.

Yes, it is up about 1 foot above grade.

F is poorly worded, but it say “accessory buildings” which yours is. Being above grade may be in your favor, depending on how you read it.

 

[Tdubya90]

But it seems like it means if it's outdoor of the accessory buildings cuz accessory buildings are covered in A too. And the heater is located inside the building. It seems to me that one guy who has experience with saunas says not to use gfci and there's no clear code stating I need to use a gfci nor does the manual say to use one. So I'm gonna leave the gfci off. You wouldn't install a hardwired garage space heater on a GFCI would you? Kinda same premise.

 

[retirede]

But it seems like it means if it's outdoor of the accessory buildings cuz accessory buildings are covered in A too. And the heater is located inside the building. It seems to me that one guy who has experience with saunas says not to use gfci and there's no clear code stating I need to use a gfci nor does the manual say to use one. So I'm gonna leave the gfci off. You wouldn't install a hardwired garage space heater on a GFCI would you? Kinda same premise.

I can understand your interpretation of this poorly worded section.
But to me, the words “installed in” (emphasis added) could lead one to believe means what it says…”in” is inside.