Sewage ejection pump-GFCI? - InspectionNews

Mike Huppi · #1 (**permalink**) 04-05-2007, 04:24 PM

Is a GFCI required for a sewage pump in a crawl space. I can not find an answer.

Scott Patterson · #2 (**permalink**) 04-05-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Huppi

Is a GFCI required for a sewage pump in a crawl space. I can not find an answer.

No it should not be on a GFCI. It trips and the crawl space will then become a cesspool.

Bruce Breedlove · #3 (**permalink**) 04-05-2007, 05:19 PM

I agree with Scott. The ejector pump should have a dedicated, non-GFCI-protected outlet.

Mike Huppi · #4 (**permalink**) 04-05-2007, 06:27 PM

OK thanks

Jerry Peck · #5 (**permalink**) 04-06-2007, 10:33 AM

It *IS REQUIRED* to be on a GFCI.

The way to solve that problem is to relocate it out from being *in* the crawlspace.

There *IS NO REASON* to *NOT* have it on a GFCI when it is in the crawlspace .... IT IS REQUIRED to be protected. Would you want to go into the crawlspace and die because it was not GFCI protected?

You don't arbitrarily decide 'not to' have it GFCI protected, you say 'Yes, it IS REQUIRED to have GFCI protection if you leave it in the crawlspace, however, being as you do not want it to shut off in the crawlspace because of the GFCI tripping, you will need to locate it outside the crawlspace.'

David Banks · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 06:03 PM

Jerry. What about a sump pump?
Dave

#7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 06:15 PM

It is my opinion that as long as the receptacle is a single receptacle installed for the pump it does not have to be GFCI protected.

In the event your local code folks insist, you could install a 120 volt twist lock receptacle or a 240 volt pump to eliminate the need for a GFCI circuit.

Tim Moreira · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 06:23 PM

Yes, see end of other thread.

According to the NEC, if the receptacle is in the crawl space, it needs to be a GFCI.

There were no exceptions on useage in the NEC. (as I myself found out from Jerry's post and a re-read of the code)

Jerry Peck · #9 (**permalink**) 04-07-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dick whitfield

In the event your local code folks insist, you could install a 120 volt twist lock receptacle or a 240 volt pump to eliminate the need for a GFCI circuit.

Nope, that won't eliminate the GFCI requirement for a receptacle in the crawlspace.

If it is 15 or 20 amp, 120 volt, it is required to have GFCI protection.
- (A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in (1) through (8) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
- - (4) Crawl spaces — at or below grade level

No exceptions.

Now, if the sump pump is 240 volts, have at it with no GFCI protection.

Randy Aldering · #10 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 01:51 PM

I realize this is an older post, but the answer may not be quite as simple as GFCI or non-GFCI. Is the tank sealed or not? Is the installation classified as a hazardous location by NFPA guidelines? Is the outlet in the tank or outside of the tank? Is the circuit dedicated? It must be installed safely, and it should installed to prevent nuisance problems.

wayne soper · #11 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 02:28 PM

So is installation of a GFCI breaker at the panel a simple solution? Rather than move the Pump.

Scott Patterson · #12 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayne soper

So is installation of a GFCI breaker at the panel a simple solution? Rather than move the Pump.

The GFCI can still trip and then you will have a mess. This is one of those times that common sense and codes conflict.

Jerry Peck · #13 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

This is one of those times that common sense and codes conflict.

No, this is one of those situations where common sense should prevail and ...

1) Don't put the pump in the crawlspace. (common sense option 1 - no GFCI protection needed)

2) Don't use a cord and plug connected pump. (common sense option 2 - permanently wired pumps do not require GFCI protection)

I agree with Scott in that "common sense" should prevail, but not at the expense of safety when "common sense" was not used to begin with.

Either correct it so "common sense" works out, or go with safety.

Would you rather have:

a) sewage in the crawlspace

b) a dead body in the crawlspace

Answer a) is the BEST answer ... and the correct answer.

The code, being MINIMUM safety, is the starting point, not the goal. Once at the starting point, the goal becomes common sense: either 1) or 2) above.

"Common sense" really ain't that hard, folks.

Mike Huppi · #14 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 11:50 PM

Every pump that I look at has a label that says it should be on a GFCI so thats the what I put down.