Mike, We have a water feature with dual submersible pumps. The installer insisted these pumps had to be on GFI breakers. The breakers are not holding, in fact they are so sinsitive that if you key your radio to close they will trip out every time. My question is by code do these pumps have to be on GFI. If you need more information to make a ruling let me know. I would really appreciate any help you can give. Thanks Bear
water feature
- Thread starter Bear Ray
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Mike is our host, but he seldom has time to join in the discussions.
My questions:
(1) What voltage are you using?
(2) Is the system plug & cord connected?
Welcome to the forum.
My questions:
(1) What voltage are you using?
(2) Is the system plug & cord connected?
Welcome to the forum.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
The rules for your application are in Art 690, require GFCI for cord and plug connected pumps.
I have four large fountains I maintain, here is a link to one of the foutains http://www.ci.bremerton.wa.us/articles.php?id=1316
We call this one "GigaBub" The fountains are by Wet Design, who are the leaders in fountains world wide.
One pump room has 16 VFD pumps, none are GFCI.
The key is the voltage and phase.
I have four large fountains I maintain, here is a link to one of the foutains http://www.ci.bremerton.wa.us/articles.php?id=1316
We call this one "GigaBub" The fountains are by Wet Design, who are the leaders in fountains world wide.
One pump room has 16 VFD pumps, none are GFCI.
The key is the voltage and phase.
Pierre C Belarge
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Is there any guidance in the installation instructions?
more info on pump
more info on pump
Here's a little more info, these are 240v pumps. However they are powered out of a 208 panel with a boost transformer. so the accual line voltage is 230v. Since I last wrote I pulled the one pump and found that the bottom seals and oil compartment had failed so there was about a quarter cup of oilly water in the motor compartment. Not enough to cause a short, but defenently enough to cause a groung fualt. These pumps are corded but hard wired into a PVC J box. The feature is not intended for wading purpases but is assesible to the public. After opening the pump I found the quality to be, well, junk. I really dont expect the thing to last very long at all, befor we are looking for a replacement. It never has been right from the installation about a year ago. Thank you all soo much for your input. Bear
more info on pump
Here's a little more info, these are 240v pumps. However they are powered out of a 208 panel with a boost transformer. so the accual line voltage is 230v. Since I last wrote I pulled the one pump and found that the bottom seals and oil compartment had failed so there was about a quarter cup of oilly water in the motor compartment. Not enough to cause a short, but defenently enough to cause a groung fualt. These pumps are corded but hard wired into a PVC J box. The feature is not intended for wading purpases but is assesible to the public. After opening the pump I found the quality to be, well, junk. I really dont expect the thing to last very long at all, befor we are looking for a replacement. It never has been right from the installation about a year ago. Thank you all soo much for your input. Bear
- Status