Sump pump and GFI
#1
03-20-07, 05:17 PM
Sump pump and GFI
I've had my sump pump (outdoors) connected to a 50-foot extension cord which is plugged into an outdoor GFCI outlet for the last five years. Just a couple of weeks ago, the GFCI tripped. I tried resetting the GFCI and started the sump pump which tripped the GFCI. The pump also tripped a different outdoor GFCI outlet. I then tried a DIFFERENT sump pump on the same two outlets WITHOUT any problems.
This leads me to believe the sump pump is the problem. Or could the extension cord cause the problem. Or could the GFCI outlets? The GFCI outlets are over 10-15 years old.
The pump works when I plug it into a normal outlet. Any help would be appreciated.
This leads me to believe the sump pump is the problem. Or could the extension cord cause the problem. Or could the GFCI outlets? The GFCI outlets are over 10-15 years old.
The pump works when I plug it into a normal outlet. Any help would be appreciated.
#2
03-20-07, 05:24 PM
There is no requiremnt for a sump pump to be gfci protected however it appears yours has enough current leakage to cause the gfci to trip, If you want the pump on a gfci or have no choice you need to go get yourself a new one.
Roger
Roger
#3
03-20-07, 05:42 PM
Sump pump and GFI
Originally Posted by Roger
There is no requiremnt for a sump pump to be gfci protected however it appears yours has enough current leakage to cause the gfci to trip, If you want the pump on a gfci or have no choice you need to go get yourself a new one.
Roger
Roger
I forgot to mention the outdoor extension cord/sump pump connection is enclosed in a weatherproof holder which is in a location that is absolutely dry.
#4
03-20-07, 06:05 PM
You should not be using an extension cord for a sump pump, except in an emergency and then only for a short period of time. Five years is not a short period of time. One week is a short period of time. You should run a proper circuit for the sump pump.
While replacing the sump pump with a new one will work, as may replacing the GFCI receptacle with a new one, the fact remains that an extension cord should NEVER be substituted for permanent wiring.
Do the right thing and run a proper circuit.
While replacing the sump pump with a new one will work, as may replacing the GFCI receptacle with a new one, the fact remains that an extension cord should NEVER be substituted for permanent wiring.
Do the right thing and run a proper circuit.
#5
03-20-07, 07:10 PM
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Yes, do the right thing. No need for the GFCI on the pump.
Yes, a good idea to replace all the old GFCIs with new. The old ones are obsolete.
Yes, a good idea to replace all the old GFCIs with new. The old ones are obsolete.
#6
03-20-07, 07:11 PM
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Although the sump pump may not require GFCI, the outlet it's plugged into does (depending on where it is located). So you're going to need to keep the GFCI. Replace things one at a time starting with the cheapest.
#7
03-21-07, 08:59 AM
John - I think that may depend on the area/inspector. I changed my sump power source from a duplex GFI to a dedicated non GFI single outlet. The inspector said he considers a sump pump to be along the same lines as a freezer or refrigerator where a phantom GFI trip could cause significant damage.
#8
03-21-07, 09:07 AM
cwbuff,
In this case, the fact that an outdoor receptacle is being used is what is important. A receptacle is NOT exempt from being GFCI protected because someone is using a long extension cord to plug in sump pump. You have the fact that the other half of the duplex receptacle is open, AND the more important rule that extension cords are for temporary installations.
I can think of no inspector who would allow this receptacle to be non-GFCI protected solely because a sump pump is being used. Any that would is doing the public a disservice.
In this case, the fact that an outdoor receptacle is being used is what is important. A receptacle is NOT exempt from being GFCI protected because someone is using a long extension cord to plug in sump pump. You have the fact that the other half of the duplex receptacle is open, AND the more important rule that extension cords are for temporary installations.
I can think of no inspector who would allow this receptacle to be non-GFCI protected solely because a sump pump is being used. Any that would is doing the public a disservice.
#10
03-21-07, 12:36 PM
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John - I think that may depend on the area/inspector. I changed my sump power source from a duplex GFI to a dedicated non GFI single outlet. The inspector said he considers a sump pump to be along the same lines as a freezer or refrigerator where a phantom GFI trip could cause significant damage.
Cwbuff
I am rather little started what you say about the inspector saying about the sump pump to run without GFCI
I know the OP have the sump pump loacted outdoor but you ?? is the pump located indoor or outdoor if outdoor it MANTORY to have GFCI no if but or bullcrap it stated clear in the code
sorry to be harsh but we [ electricians ] have to follow the code very carefully and i am sure the inspector should see that sisuation as well
Merci , Marc
#12
03-23-07, 07:18 PM
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