Hi All,

We have a concrete-floored (or cement-floored? not sure, but its not dirt) crawlspace, with one sump pump. The sump pump is attached to a GFCI outlet. The outlet is attached to one of the wood support beams overhead (i.e., the beams that support the first story floor right above). The GFCI outlet is maybe 3-4 feet above the ground.

Every couple of weeks, the GFCI is triggered somehow; therefore, the sump pump stops working until I press the button. (I've heard that this can happen with sump pumps because the sudden on/off of the pump is sometimes interpreted as an issue.)

Its not very pleasant going into the crawlspace - no light, definitely a crawl-the-entire-way-through space, etc. The sump pump is also on the other side of the house from where I enter the crawl space. So, its a 40-50 foot journey, on hands-and-knees, in the dark, just to reset the GFCI outlet.

I'm wondering two things: (i) what is the general code requirement, i.e., am I required by code to have a GFCI outlet or is a regular outlet considered up-to-code in my situation (including having the outlet several feet above the crawlspace floor)?; and (ii) even if its against code, does anyone see any issues with replacing the GFCI outlet with a regular outlet (taking into account the above details)? We've never gotten more than puddles of water in the crawlspace, from what I can see. I guess its possible we've gotten an inch or so, and I just never checked at the right time.

But with the outlet being so high above the sump pump, are there any issues with replacing the GFCI outlet? It would save me a lot of ageda and scraped knees, not to mention it would keep the crawlspace much dryer.

Any help and info would be greatly appreciated. (If it helps, I am not asking if anyone recommends replacing the GFCI outlet with a regular one if its against code; think of it more as an academic exercise - if its against code to do, and someone in a story does it, what problems can be foreseen?)

Thanks!

(Also - I apologize if this should go in an electrical forum; if it should, I can re-post there. This just seemed the best place for this question.)

 

Without a location in your profile it's impossible for anyone to know what your local codes are.
Even if a state is given it can be different from county.
GFI's do not trip from surges or over loads.
https://home.howstuffworks.com/question117.htm
Coming from a layman that has been working on houses for well over 40 years and owned dozens no way would I be using a GFI on a sump pump.
It makes perfect since to do so to prevent getting shocked, but I'm also counting on to prevent my house getting flooded.

 

@Oopey,

Previously I had the same question for myself and I reached out to the Zoeller manufacture.
They told me to not use GCCI outlet for their sump pumps.

Best

 

On the record.... the code says the sump pump needs to be on a GFI protected circuit.
Off the record..... I would never put my sump pump on a GFI circuit.
Use common sense.... if you are messing around the pump.... unplug it first.

 

Hi all,

Thanks for all the information. Looks like I'll tell the plumber to replace the GFCI with a regular one when he's in the crawlspace doing some other work we have going on.

(In response to JoeCaption - we are in Bergen County in NJ, if that changes or confirms anything.)

Thanks again!

 

Nope.... changes nothing. The code would require GFI protection.

 

I have a GFCI in the garage that "pops" when I just plug an extension cord into it! Just saying!

 

Ok.... and how does that pertain to this thread ?
It sounds like you have an incorrectly wired cord or the neutral and ground are touching.

GFI protection in a garage is a must.