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Posted by hobbes on January 29, 2008, 6:55 am
>
>
> >I am installing a whirlpool bathtub.The instructions say I have to
> > plug the pump into a 15a 110v seperate circuit protected with GFCI,
> > and the heater into a 15a 110v seperate circuit protected with gfci.I
> > take it I have to run wires to my main service box.I notice that gfci
> > circuit breakers are very expensive.Can I just install regular circuit
> > breakers and hook them up to gfci sockets by my bathtub.
> > Thanks
>
> Won't pass inspection, although you may not have it inspected if you DIY.
> But it is an item that a house inspector would spot in a second if you go =
to
> sell the house. =A0And if there's ever a short without a GFI, the house ma=
y be
> up for sale by the heirs.
>
> Steve
Hi,
I think that what Mr. Trexxxmeis wanted to know is if he could use a
GFCI socket instead of a GFCI breaker because a GFCI breakers are
expensive.
I am not an expert in NEC code but I think that a GFCI breaker is
better in the respect that the GFCI's protection is outside the
bathroom away from water. Consider the following scenario. If water
from the bathtub were to get behing the GFCI socket which is in the
bathroom, this effectively eliminates the GFCI protection. The GFCI
breaker being in a different area of the house is of course not
exposed to this risk.
I suppose that GFCI socket could be used so long as that socket is
outside the bathroom and no water could get behind the GFCI. However
this now allows other appliances to be pluged into the same circuit as
the Whirlpool tub. This then breaks the "dedicated circuit rule." I
suppose you do not want to overload that 15 amp circuit for the
whirlpool heater.
Just my 2 cents.
best, Mike.
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