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#52576 05/29/05 09:30 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 133
E
Member
I will be wiring a steam generator unit for a steam shower. It is a 4.5 KW unit (240V at 19 amps). Seems pretty straightforward but I've never wired one of these before. Are there any special considerations I should be aware of?

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#52577 05/30/05 01:28 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,876
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e57 Offline
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Other than disconnect being in site, (not required in single family) they are really very simular to a hot tub install in terms of GFI, and bonding of metalic pipes like a water heater.

I have found over the years that they aren't really targeted by the code by name "steam unit or shower".
Maybe they should be.


Mark Heller
"Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason
#52578 05/30/05 11:04 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 133
E
Member
I just got a copy of the installation instructions and it states DO NOT use GFI protection on unit. As far as bonding, not sure there is any requirement as there is no motor associated with the unit.

#52579 05/30/05 11:28 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 212
G
Member
Well, they are just glorified water heaters built to take the additional pressures of steam, and have fast recovery times. They usually have a dielectric fitting at inlets and outlets so you do have to bond the water pipes the same as with a water heater. I see no need for GFI protection unless the unit actually sits in the bathroom and they never do. But easy access is important because they do occassionally need service.

#52580 05/30/05 12:07 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,876
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e57 Offline
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It seems some models conflict... http://www.sussmanlifestylegroup.com/support/steamhomeiom.pdf

"Insure a suitably rated 120AV properly grounded receptacle with GFCI (Ground Fault Current Interrupt) is
provided for the attachment plug cap configuration."

And, "Do NOT install a GF1 (Ground Fault Interrupter) to this..." http://www.steamist.com/Downloads/pdf2/327.pdf

Not sure what to make of the second one, as it is an electrical appliance with metalic piping into a shower, or wet location. It may have one inside as part of listed equipment. Having two would trip eachother....

I have always followed 680 IV for these installs. Which is why I mention the GFI disconnect and bonding. If I have been doing it wrong all these years let me know. As it may be a local thing I have gotten used to, because my Inspectors always ask about the bonding and GFI for these.


Mark Heller
"Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason
#52581 05/30/05 02:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 212
G
Member
Well, an electric water heater is connected to the shower piping too. I don't put those on a GFI. Same with Insta-Hot dispensers in the kitchen.
I think as long as the appliance or the receptacle that feeds it is not IN the bathroom, no gfi is required unless the manufacturer requires it.

#52582 05/30/05 04:25 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 687
A
Member
Ya scared me. I was thinking I forgot the GFI for the steamers I did when I first seen this.

There are control wires that go from the controller to the steam unit. These wires come with the unit. You should ask who is running the wires and mounting the controler before it is too late.

Tom

[This message has been edited by Active 1 (edited 05-30-2005).]

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#52583 05/30/05 05:28 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 76
M
Member
Active1 is correct about the control wires, the last one I installed, I had to work with the Tile Guy to get it set correctly. Looked great after it was finished too.
There should also be a set of wires coming from the pop off that will have to be hooked into the main unit.

#52584 05/30/05 06:43 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 133
E
Member
The manual I have states "Do not use GFI" and it shows the unit mounted inside the vanity IN the bathroom. GFI is required for 120VAC receptacles in the bathroom but this is a 240VAC device.
e57, I don't see a conflict in the units you cited. The one that requires GFI is a 120VAC unit, the one that specifies NO GFI is a 240VAC unit.

#52585 05/30/05 07:14 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 209
H
Member
I've installed 4 steam gens (2 different brands) and none required GFI protection. They all required copper connections.

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