Thread: lift and sump on GFCI

I saw a setup that had a duplex GFCI with both a sump pump and a sewage lift pump plugged into it.

Should these two things be on dedicated circuits?

Also, is it ok for them to be on a GFCI circuit?

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This has sat a few hours so I'll give my 2 cents.

Neither of those items would be considered a continuous load, so as long as both are less than 12A each for a 15A circuit or 16A each for a 20A circuit they can share a receptacle.
We find this in NEC Table 210.21(B)(2).
Remember, a duplex receptacle is two receptacles, not one.

Depending on the age of the install and the location chances are the receptacle in question would have to be GFI protected.

John,

The obvious problem with that being on a GFCI is the potential for "nuisance" tripping of the device. There has been much discussion as to whether or not a sump pump should or should not be on a GFCI. I have seen it both ways. However, I have never seen a grinder or ejector pump on a GFCI and I know of no requirement. Personally, I would prefer the ejector pump to be on a circuit that is not GFCI.

The "requirement" is if the equipment is in area of an unfinished basement. The exemption for cord connected appliances in unfinished basement areas disappeared in the 2008 NEC. Hence Petey's age and location remark.

Exactly Bill, thank you.

The only GFI requirement for the equipment would be from the manufacturer.
Depending on location, the receptacle is what would need protection, NOT the pumps.

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

The obvious problem with that being on a GFCI is the potential for "nuisance" tripping of the device.

Quite incorrect.

*IF* the sump pump is 20 or so years old or newer (maybe even to 25 or so years ago) the sump pump's allowable leakage standard was drastically reduced to (as I recall) 0.5 ma. A GFCI does not trip at 0.5 ma but at 4-6 ma.

If the sump pump is causing tripping, it is definitely NOT a "nuisance", it is for a "reason" ... the sump pump is going bad.

There has been much discussion as to whether or not a sump pump should or should not be on a GFCI.

Yes there has been and I have been posting the above for quite some time too.

I would have hoped that we would all have learned that it is not "nuisance tripping" any more, it is "tripping indicating a problem".

Personally, I would prefer the ejector pump to be on a circuit that is not GFCI.

Personally, I would much rather have the GFCI trip off and shut the pump down than to electrocute the person getting ready to touch that pump!

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Depending on location, the receptacle is what would need protection, NOT the pumps.

The purpose of protecting the receptacles is to protect the equipment which is to be plugged into them.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

The purpose of protecting the receptacles is to protect the equipment which is to be plugged into them.

JP: And, of course, the person doing the plugging.

Originally Posted by A.D. Miller

JP: And, of course, the person doing the plugging.

Actually this is more accurate. This is GFI protection for personnel after all.

Originally Posted by A.D. Miller

JP: And, of course, the person doing the plugging.

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Actually this is more accurate. This is GFI protection for personnel after all.

Correct, and which is the reason for protecting the equipment ... which is why I stated "Personally, I would much rather have the GFCI trip off and shut the pump down than to electrocute the person getting ready to touch that pump" - protection for "the person" ...

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Personally, I would much rather have the GFCI trip off and shut the pump down than to electrocute the person getting ready to touch that pump!

JP,

Is there a requirement that the sewage ejector pump be on a GFCI circuit?

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

Is there a requirement that the sewage ejector pump be on a GFCI circuit?

Not per se, it depends on where the pump is located.

Nonetheless, though, it is not a bad idea to have the pump on a GFCI device.