Pool equipment update



With the extension of the National Electrical Code 2020 to protect more areas of the home, Siemens has expanded our GFCI product line, continuing to provide complete home safety for our customers.

The NEC 2020 Article 210.8(F) extends GFCI protection to circuits feeding HVAC units and other modern life applications.

In the example of HVAC, the unit is supplied by a single-phase 240V branch circuit, rated 50A or less.

GFCI protection is required for the outlet serving each unit.

Siemens now offers the "in-between" amperage circuit breakers to its 2-pole GFCI portfolio for such a requirement.

1738771872520.png

Features
• Available in 2-pole 25, 35 and 45A ratings
• Available in 10kAIC rating
• Includes a Self-Test as required by UL943 as an added
safety feature.
• Suitable for a variety of construction applications:
HVAC, spas, hot tubs, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
• Resists false tripping (shielded to prevent
RF interference)
• Standard 1 inch per pole format with plug-in design
• UL Listed and CSA Certified
• Provides Class A GFCI protection
• HACR and SWD rated


 
Siemens QPFB 20-amp 2-Pole Gfci Circuit Breaker
Item #5998211 |

Model #Q220GFP

Device intended for personnel protection from Ground Fault

LED trip indicators to help identify fault conditions

Ideal for wet and damp locations such as pools, spas, HVAC, kitchen and bathroom circuits

Reduced size breaker allows for more wire bending space

Type QPFB circuit breaker, replaces Siemens model QF220AP and QF220A

Resists false tripping (shielded to prevent RF interference)

White line neutral (pigtail) must be connected to the panel neutral for the device to function

#14 - #8 AWG copper, #12 - #8 AWG aluminum wire range

UL and cUL Listed; HACR and SWD rated

 
Device intended for personnel protection from ground fault.

LED trip indicators to help identify fault conditions.

Ideal for wet and damp locations such as pools, spas, HVAC, kitchen and bathroom circuits.

Reduced size breaker allows for more wire bending space.

Type QPFB circuit breaker, replaces Siemens model QF220AP and QF220A.

Resists false tripping (shielded to prevent RF interference).

White line neutral (pigtail) must be connected to the panel neutral for the device to function.

#14-#8 AWG copper, #12-#8 AWG aluminum wire range.

UL and cUL Listed, HACR and SWD rated.

Internet # 330823529.

Model # Q220GFP.

Store SKU # 1011964515

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens-QPFB-20-Amp-2-Pole-GFCI-Circuit-Breaker-Q220GFP/330823529
 
Last edited:
The "Pentair" version is P220GFA, which costs twice as much. $220.00. :unsure:

New: PENTAIR. Siemens Circuit Breaker for Select Pool Control Systems (GFCI)

1738775823695.png



Internet # 334586413
Model # P220GFA_A
Store SKU # 1013674712

US2: PA220GF
Being obsoleted - order US2: P220GFA



1738776411983.png


1738776578131.png
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
FWIW, my electrician said in '22 that Pentair had modified its design the year before to fix the phantom trips that needed the special breaker. I only entertain the thought because I didnt tell him why I wanted it and as soon as I said it, he knew exactly why I wanted it. I put it in anyway for good measure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JamesW
@Newdude are you saying that newer pumps are not as "trippy
I'm saying my electrician said so. With my first build 10 years earlier, the electrician and PB fought for 2 weeks over it with the PB wanting a larger breaker and the electrician refusing. So I was gifted with 83 phantom trips over 8.5 years. By the time I landed hear and learned of an easy fix, we were moving.

The 2022 electrician knew all the details at the first mention of a different breaker. So I give him some credibility for that. But I'd hedge my bets again if I was doing it tomorrow, because PSTD from the first time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pesh
I'm saying my electrician said so. With my first build 10 years earlier, the electrician and PB fought for 2 weeks over it with the PB wanting a larger breaker and the electrician refusing. So I was gifted with 83 phantom trips over 8.5 years.

The 2022 electrician knew all the details at the first mention of a different breaker. So I give him some credibility for that. But I'd hedge my bets again if I was doing it tomorrow, because PSTD from the first time.
I understand now. Did you go with Pentair-branded? Siemens or other GFCI breaker? What part number?
 
The Pentair is the exact same breaker.

Pentair is not making breakers.

The Siemens/Pentair breaker resists false tripping because it is shielded to prevent RF interference.

The drive unit on a variable speed drive creates unusual noise on the power lines due to how it converts single phase 60 hz AC to three phase AC to control the speed by controlling the frequency.

The noise can create imbalances in the current, which can trip a GFCI if the imbalance hits about 5 milliamps.

Pentair is aware of the issue and I would suspect that they have probably tried to address the issue on the drive as much as possible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newdude and Pesh
Did you go with Pentair-branded?
I told him to get whichever was cheaper because the prices were flip flopping during the shortages. Siemens ended up being the only one available at his supply shop. It was a wild time if you wanted something specific. Lol.

Protip : you can never have enough pics.

Screenshot_20250205_143749_Gallery.jpg

Especially if they expose any plumbing. Get clear shots with a tape measure and always know the pipe run is 8ft 11 inches off the house foundation (etc)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pesh and JamesW
The Pentair is the exact same breaker.

Pentair is not making breakers.

The Siemens/Pentair breaker resists false tripping because it is shielded to prevent RF interference.

The drive unit on a variable speed drive creates unusual noise on the power lines due to how it converts single phase 60 hz AC to three phase AC to control the speed by controlling the frequency.

The noise can create imbalances in the current, which can trip a GFCI if the imbalance hits about 5 milliamps.

Pentair is aware of the issue and I would suspect that they have probably tried to address the issue on the drive as much as possible.
Pentair false trips can be prevented by using FT240-43 toroid core filter. I had the false trip issue with my Square D QO GFCI breaker. After adding the filter, went away and has been going good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newdude
Pentair false trips can be prevented by using FT240-43 toroid core filter. I had the false trip issue with my Square D QO GFCI breaker. After adding the filter, went away and has been going good.
How is your FT240-43 toroid core filter installed? Is it installed with a GFCI breaker too? Can you share pictures?
 
This person reports that it works for them.

I do not know if it will work or if it affects the performance of the GFCI.

Updating to let everyone know that this toroid core solved the SquareD Q0 GFI tripping.

It used to trip every night, but hasn't tripped anymore after adding this filter.

What we learned from this experiment:

Needs to target a specific frequency range (FT240-43 toroid) with multiple wraps around the coil, a simple inline ferrite bead for general purpose filtering like the ones you find on the ends of USB cords is not sufficient.

 
  • Like
Reactions: Pesh

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support