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Posted By: Electric Ian Steam Shower - 05/30/05 02:30 AM
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?
Posted By: e57 Re: Steam Shower - 05/30/05 06:28 AM
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.
Posted By: Electric Ian Re: Steam Shower - 05/30/05 04:04 PM
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.
Posted By: Gregtaylor Re: Steam Shower - 05/30/05 04:28 PM
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.
Posted By: e57 Re: Steam Shower - 05/30/05 05:07 PM
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.
Posted By: Gregtaylor Re: Steam Shower - 05/30/05 07:38 PM
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.
Posted By: Active 1 Re: Steam Shower - 05/30/05 09:25 PM
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).]
Posted By: Megawatt Re: Steam Shower - 05/30/05 10:28 PM
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.
Posted By: Electric Ian Re: Steam Shower - 05/30/05 11:43 PM
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.
Posted By: HLCbuild Re: Steam Shower - 05/31/05 12:14 AM
I've installed 4 steam gens (2 different brands) and none required GFI protection. They all required copper connections.
Posted By: harold endean Re: Steam Shower - 05/31/05 01:25 AM
Someone mentioned that a disconnect is not required. Better check the manufactures instructions because a disco might be required.
Posted By: harold endean Re: Steam Shower - 05/31/05 01:27 AM
I forgot, I didn't see if anyone mentioned this or not. Again check the manufactures instructions. It might say copper wire only, aluminum might not be allowed.
Posted By: e57 Re: Steam Shower - 06/01/05 01:31 AM
I have been wrong all these years! https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/Forum2/HTML/002106.html

But questions still remain....
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