ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Where do like your GFCI?

Hi All;
I hope this question doesn't come across like some of the DIY's which have appeared in the past...here goes:
In our community theater here, we have a small sump pump installed to discharge ground water seepage which accumulates in a small sump next to the orchestra pit (the lowest place in the building, about 6 feet below outside grade level). I am planning to install a new dedicated GFCI circuit just for the pump. Presently, it is connected to an ordinary lighting/receptacle circuit with other "stuff" backstage. The question; cost not withstanding, do you prefer a receptacle-type GFCI or a circuit breaker type (in this case, a SqD QO type). At face value, it seems like the circuit breaker type would be better or more reliable. Any thoughts from the pro's?

Mike (mamills)

I will answer your question with a question. Why are you using a gfci for this application. You are setting yourself up for potential problems. If this motor causes nuisance tripping on the gfci you might have a flooding situation on your hands.

My reasoning for the GFCI relates to the location of the sump. It is in an area backstage, but right next to the orchestra pit. The discharge pipe out of the pump is about 1 1/4" steel. It comes out of the sump hole through a steel cover plate, then turns 90 degrees and is coupled to a PVC pipe which leads out of the building. During certain times of high humidity, this backstage floor area sweats. I was concerned about people standing on this floor and making contact with the discharge pipe or the cover plate. We have not had any problems yet (other than people accidentally turning off the pump along with a couple of other lighting circuits which terminate in the breaker panel.

Would I be better off simply re-plumbing the pump with PVC pipe throughout, since the pump does have an EGC?

Mike (mamills)

I would install a single receptale for the sump pump,not gfci protected.

to GFI or not to GFI, that is the question?
(shakespearian chortle...)

well, we're not required by code, yet some people up my way with the stone foundation/ wading pool option do make me nervous
, so yes , i have put sumps on <gasp>GFI's.

But i will include something else, like the cellar lights on the circuit, in lieu of fancy alarms/indicators etc....

after all..the show must go on...

Sparky:
Also, if the pump fails, it would be a good place for an orchestra to perform Handel's "Water Music"

Mike (mamills)

BTW...actually, the building doesn't leak QUITE that much...