ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area GFCI circuit for sump pump

Sorry for the ignorance people but, our University just built this fancy fountain.

The sump pump along w/ the controls, timer and pump related equip are in a underground vault.

It just rained recently and the GFCI circuit for the sump pump had tripped. Water was almost to the controls. I suggested calling
back the contractor to replace sump pump. Contractor says there was a surge that took place?!(*&^(

Is the motor on a sump pump (or any single phase motor) that is on a GFCI circuit supposed to have a certain rating/designation/efficiency? This has happened a few times already.

Appreciate the help. Great site.
IBEW 340 - Mike

What is the reasoning behind the sump pump being on a GFCI?

sorry, i meant GFI circuit. It's coming off a GFI breaker w/ a GFCI receptacle on the same circuit.

What I'm saying is, I don't beleive the sump pump is required to be, or should be, on a GFI.

When running a submersable pump for a fountain the pump is required to be on a GFI.
680-51

Are we talking about two different pump motors? The decorative fountain pump motor is required to be GFCI protected. A sump pump (ejector pump) is not required to be GFCI protected.

Frank, can you direct me to where in the code that it says that a sump pump for a fountain not be GFI protected? This is an in ground vault about 5' deep containing the fountain pump, fiber optic lighting and controls for the fountain. Thanks.

Mike,

I think there's a bit of confusion over what type of pump you are talking about. When I hear 'sump pump' I think of a pump that is installed to prevent flooding, or an ejection pump. It operates on a float switch which turns the pump on when water rises to a certain level. I'm reasonably sure that this is what Frank and Redsy are referring to.

Is that what you mean? Or are you referring to a pump that shoots the water in the air for the fountain?

Bill

In the vault there is a sump pump that prevents flooding of the vault. It has a float used to switch on the sump pump. There is a pump that cirulates water and pumps water into the fountain. My problem is that when the sump pump circuit which is on a GFI circuit trips, the controls are in danger of water damage (if the water level gets that high). Is there a certain motor I should use on a GFI circuit? Code says that the sump pump has to be on a GFI circuit. Actually the fountain pump (for pumping water into the fountain) has to be on a GFI circuit also. Thanks.... Mike

I don't believe the intention of 680.51(A) requires you to include your sump pump as a part of "fountain equipment".
The submersible pump they refer to is a pump that would sit at the bottom of the reservoir that is filled with the water that you are circulating through your fountain.
I think you can remove the GFCI from the sump pump.

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 03-13-2002).]