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).]

Thanks Redsy, I'll investigate further. If that's the case that would save alot of grief. Mike....

I agree with Redsy.

I can't find an NEC Article that requires a sump pump to be GFCI protected. I'm not surprised it's tripping.