My old pump was getting noisy, and I thought it was failing. I posted on another thread asking about VS pumps, and was advised to replace the motor with a 2-speed.
I found out that the noise was likely bearings, and decided to rebuild instead. Unfortunately, it was so badly corroded, it was unsalvageable. All 4 through-bolts snapped, as did screws holding on other parts, despite a letting PB blaster work on them. I then found the seal plate was cracked where the brass nuts attach, and the square flange on the motor had one of the 4 holes corroded completly away.
When I priced buying a 2-speed motor, and added in a new seal plate and a timer to handle the 2-speed, I was up to $450. I bought a Hayward Max-Flo VS for $650, and with a $200 rebate, it's about break-even for the new pump.
So, my question...
My old pump, installed with the pool in 2006, did not have a GFCI breaker. There is a double-pole 20-amp breaker feeding the pump pad, powering both the 240 and 120 volt parts (with a neutral from the panel as well). 240 to the motor and SWG, 120 to a GFCI outlet at the pump and 120 to a light in the pool.
I installed the new pump using the same wiring, but now I'm reading the manual and it says that a GFCI breaker is mandatory.
Doing some research, my understanding is that the code change in 2008. Reading various electricians who have posted about it, if the circuit is 20-amps or less, a GFCI breaker is required. Mine is 20-amp, so I believe I need it. I have no objection to the $100 to ensure safety, but a quick google on it shows many people with nuisance trips using a VS motor, so I want to make sure I am understanding it correctly.
Glen
I found out that the noise was likely bearings, and decided to rebuild instead. Unfortunately, it was so badly corroded, it was unsalvageable. All 4 through-bolts snapped, as did screws holding on other parts, despite a letting PB blaster work on them. I then found the seal plate was cracked where the brass nuts attach, and the square flange on the motor had one of the 4 holes corroded completly away.
When I priced buying a 2-speed motor, and added in a new seal plate and a timer to handle the 2-speed, I was up to $450. I bought a Hayward Max-Flo VS for $650, and with a $200 rebate, it's about break-even for the new pump.
So, my question...
My old pump, installed with the pool in 2006, did not have a GFCI breaker. There is a double-pole 20-amp breaker feeding the pump pad, powering both the 240 and 120 volt parts (with a neutral from the panel as well). 240 to the motor and SWG, 120 to a GFCI outlet at the pump and 120 to a light in the pool.
I installed the new pump using the same wiring, but now I'm reading the manual and it says that a GFCI breaker is mandatory.
Doing some research, my understanding is that the code change in 2008. Reading various electricians who have posted about it, if the circuit is 20-amps or less, a GFCI breaker is required. Mine is 20-amp, so I believe I need it. I have no objection to the $100 to ensure safety, but a quick google on it shows many people with nuisance trips using a VS motor, so I want to make sure I am understanding it correctly.
Glen