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Thursday, November 29, 2018

Question:

Is it ok to feed the entire sub panel powering the pool equipment with one double pole gfci breaker. Does this satisfy the gfci protection requirement for the entire pool? Is this better or worse than individual gfci breakers in the sub panel.

Thank You

Bob Schwarzlose

A

Answer:

Hey Bob thanks for your question. Yes, providing GFCI protection for the feeder instead of at the branch circuit or outlet level is acceptable. Different types of GFCI devices are specifically allowed as stated in 680.5 and the general rules are that GFCI protection be provided - without stating it must be in a specific location. A disadvantage of providing GFCI protection in a feeder location is that if it operates, everything supplied by that feeder is deenergized opposed to only equipment supplied from a branch circuit. Keep in mind that electrical insulation is not perfect therefore all equipment has "electrical leakage" which becomes additive for multiple loads on a GFCI.

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