?
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Tuesday, June 7, 2016 - GFI protection for basement sump pump receptacle
With regard to Monday June 6 CCD about GFCI protection required for sump pumps. Several manufactures allow the cord cap to be cut and the pump to be directly wired to a box with a disconnect. Since there is no 125V Receptacle there is no requirement of a GFCI. Since lightning strikes can cause a GFCI to trip, and they are usually accompanied by large amounts of rain I would want to insure my pump works after such an event. I fully support the use of GFCI's where required by the code in 210-08, but a pump that fails to work when needed creates an electrical hazard as well. The intent of the code is to keep somebody from unplugging the sump pump and plugging an appliance in that can create a shock hazard. A direct connect prevents this hazard. This is good for ejector pumps and condensate pumps where the manufacturer allows this.
John Small
A
Answer:
Hey John thanks for your comment. I was not aware that some manufacturers provided specific instructions to direct wire sump pumps by removing the attachment plug. If they do, that is a way to avoid the need for GFCI protection required by 210.8(A)(5). The concept of direct wiring the sump pump seems to be a violation of 400.7(B) so submitting a Public Input for the 2020 NEC to that section might also be helpful. There are probably other examples where flexible cords are used without attachment plugs.