Tanning Beds - GFCI

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JDSparks

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Do tanning beds have to be GFCI protected?

I was written up by inspector who stated tanning
beds must be GFCI protected.

I can not find anything in NEC code book to verify this. I can not even find anything related to tanning beds. Does anyone know where tanning beds are listed in code book?
 
Re: Tanning Beds - GFCI

The NEC is only for premise wiring (mostly- some exceptions are extension cords, lamps and holiday lighting) The tanning bed is a plug in device, and is not under the scope of the NEC.
However, depending on the location and occupancy a GFCI may be required.
What is the NEC section the AHJ cites?
 
Re: Tanning Beds - GFCI

The manufacturer's instrutions does not call for GFCI protection.

The AHJ did not cite any NEC section or any other building codes.
 
Re: Tanning Beds - GFCI

Then its not an enforceable request. At this point you install an $8.00 GFCI or haggle with the AHJ.
 
Re: Tanning Beds - GFCI

Is it more likely that a tanning bed will cause a false trip of a GFCI or that a tanning bed might pose a hazard for which the user would be best protected by a GFCI?
 
Re: Tanning Beds - GFCI

Can't just install $8.00 GFCI's

Beds are 240v hard wired. Would have to use GFCI breakers and there not cheap. I just wanted to get all the info. I could before calling the AHJ. Didn't want him to cite a section of the code off the top of his head and make me look dumb.

Also, I must install buck/booster transformers. Does anyone think I will have problems with this if the transformers are GFCI protected.
 
Re: Tanning Beds - GFCI

Originally posted by JDSparks: Does anyone think I will have problems with this if the transformers are GFCI protected.
Click to expand...
Which side of the transformers? I'm not sure how a buck/boost is wired, but I suspect that a GFCI upstream of the transformer will not protect the secondary. I would also say that it is probably better to say that the GFCI is protecting (all or a portion of) a branch circuit, as opposed to saying that the GFCI protects a specific component.
 
Re: Tanning Beds - GFCI

most tanning bed i deal with it most are useally wired for 240 volt single phase system.

and majority are wired with 30 amp system but few larger units i deal with it some can go much as 50 amps on single phase but there are few tanning bed that actally run on 3 phase system.

for tanning bed with GFCI ?? most case useally no gfci but some location you have to but one curpit is have to get GFCI breaker it can be little expenisve.

the other question about buck/boost transformer ya have to be carefull with this set up it get touchey here because majorty of tanning bed use 120 volt ballast not 240 volt ballast [ few do have 240 volt ballast in there but not a whole alot number have it ]

the last tanning bed i work on i have to use the buck/boost transformer to buck the voltage due one place the supply voltage was little on high side and burn out bulbs fast and quick warning with buck/boost transformer you need netural anyway because they have cooling fan useally wired for 120 volts and it can get unbalnced there.

my best thing you can do is recheck the supply voltage verison the nameplate voltage to see the diffrence if about 10 volt differnce you are ok [ have to test it with tanning bed is on ]

merci , marc
 
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