sump pump gfci?

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Eagle126

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I'm installing a dedicated circuit for a sump pump, my instinct tells me i should have a gfci outlet. but then i'm thinking this sump pump cannot loss power on a freak gfci trip, the home owner will never know it tripped for days until it's to late. Can someone tell me what's code, i'm in massachusetts.
 
I have this system installed by a local contractor. www.bayareacrawlspace.com

WaterWatch Alarm: Sounds off to let you know if water has risen past the point where the pumps should have turned on.



As a suggestion install the GFCI in an accesible location and from the load side hardwire a low wattage red light next to the GFCI. So when the red light is OFF the sump pump won't work.
 
Where is sump pump located? If not in places where GFCI is required in 218.8 then it does not require GFCI.

210.8(A)(5) was mentioned, if not a basement of a dwelling that section does not apply.

Problem in dwellings is sump pumps are commonly located in places where GFCI protection is required, but they don't necessarily have to be.
 
One time I cut the cord end off and hard wired the sump pump. Just for the reason your talking about. It was in a garage, and you cannot not put a single recep or any type of recep in a garage without GFI protecting it. And I didn't want anyone else to unplug the sump pump either and use the outlet for something else.
 
Pizza said:
One time I cut the cord end off and hard wired the sump pump. Just for the reason your talking about. It was in a garage, and you cannot not put a single recep or any type of recep in a garage without GFI protecting it. And I didn't want anyone else to unplug the sump pump either and use the outlet for something else.
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I understand the reasoning for doing that but now you have likely created other violations. Start with 400.8, then go to manufacturers instructions and see if you have violated 110.3. It is not an easy thing to deal with, and be code compliant as well as take care of common problems.
 
iwire said:
Is it?

How much more money and time does it take to find a 240 sump pump?
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I don't know about time to find one, maybe time to wait for it to arrive. I have worked on three phase submersible pumps also. Probably not an option for typical dwelling though. They definately cost more, but are usually like 5 or more HP also.
 
kwired said:
I don't know about time to find one, maybe time to wait for it to arrive. I have worked on three phase submersible pumps also. Probably not an option for typical dwelling though. They definately cost more, but are usually like 5 or more HP also.
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That was my point, we are talking about a dwelling unit sump pump. I am sure given enough time you could find a 240 one but when it does burn out then the HO is stuck trying to find another quickly.
 
iwire said:
That was my point, we are talking about a dwelling unit sump pump. I am sure given enough time you could find a 240 one but when it does burn out then the HO is stuck trying to find another quickly.
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That is when they buy a 120 volt unit and call you to give them an outlet they can use, then you provide GFCI protection, now we go back to post #1...:D
 
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