Dedicated electrical circuit, gfci breaker?

[loudgonzo]

Hello, we are planning to put up Intex 24x12x52 with saltwater pump in the next few weeks. Last year we just plugged into outdoor outlet with thick extension cord.

This year we are running a dedicated outlet to the pool from the main panel. Is it better either way to use a regular 20a breaker since the pump plug already has a gfci, or install a gfci breaker at the panel, and either continue using plug gfci, or cut the gfci from the cord and replace with standard 3 prong plug?

Lg

 

[BoHpool]

I would replace the breaker with a GFCI. That way any device you add to that breaker is protected. Well, actually the people are protected. You should not use two GFCI devices on the same circuit.

Electrical Repairs Electrical Troubleshooting and Residential Electrical Wiring Help and Videos is a good resource.

 

[loudgonzo]

So we can then cut the gfci from the cord and replace with either a standard or locking plug correct?

 

[Ahultin]

Two Gfci devices on the same circuit is fine. The breaker will protect from the load center to the outlet, the gfci on the cord with protect from the cord on.
Using a gfci breaker, or the cheaper option using a gfci outlet , would make it a code compliant install as NEC requires gfci protection on all exterior power sources. While the pool plug gfci, the theory is that other items could be plugged into that outlet as well. You will also need to make sure the receptacle you is is marked wr for water resistant and use a proper in-use cover.

 

[Mdragger88]

So long as you have a gfci (breaker or receptacle) you can do as you described & replace the end of the cord with a cord cap. I had to do this to get mine to fit in the weatherproof in use box/cover as I was plugging 2 intex devices in. If you have a combo unit with only one plug & you may not have an issue.
To be completely clear:
Gfci’s protect what come after them -
* A gfci breaker protects the circuit (wires to the receptacle(s)) and any device(s) thereafter (outlets & things plugged into them) from ground faults and protects people along that path
* A Gfci receptacle protects the devices plugged into them & possibly other receptacles that are fed from the load side of them from ground faults & protects people in that path.
* a gfci cord end protects just that cord & device and people in that path.

Sometimes a gfci cord plugged directly into a gfci will nuisance trip - but not always. If this occurs & you know the gfci outlet is good you can simply replace the cord end since you are gfci protected higher up the chain.

This is less likely to occur with a gfci breaker.

 

[DavidArmenB]

Won’t using two gfci’s in one circuit cause one to trip the other? Or worse problems?

 

[Mdragger88]

Won’t using two gfci’s in one circuit cause one to trip the other? Or worse problems?

Not necessarily. If that occurs you remove the last one in the chain (ie the cord end).
It is unnecessary to have a gfci receptacle on a circuit with a gfci breaker & that may cause issues.
My hot tub is a plug & play with a gfci cord end it is plugged into a gfci outlet. Neither one has ever tripped.

 

[BoHpool]

Multiple GFCIs one Circuit
One GFCI outlet will protect the whole circuit IF properly wired. Using a circuit breaker simplifies things for non-electrician installers.

 

[ajw22]

Multiple GFCIs one Circuit
One GFCI outlet will protect the whole circuit IF properly wired. Using a circuit breaker simplifies things for non-electrician installers.

That is all correct but not applicable to the specific situation being discussed.

With a GFCI cord being plugged into a GFCI outlet if power is lost both GFCI's will need to checked and one or both may need to be reset. That should be pretty obvious and not confusing to @loudgonzo

I would try it with the two GFCIs. If he gets false trips or the reset process is too confusing for his household then the power cord can be changed.

 

[BoHpool]

That is all correct but not applicable to the specific situation being discussed.

With a GFCI cord being plugged into a GFCI outlet if power is lost both GFCI's will need to checked and one or both may need to be reset. That should be pretty obvious and not confusing to @loudgonzo

I would try it with the two GFCIs. If he gets false trips or the reset process is too confusing for his household then the power cord can be changed.

I misunderstood the original post. I would not plug a GFCI into a GFCI but I'm sure it is done all the time.