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What do you guys prefer for a sump pump receptacle? I just wired up a dedicated circuit for an upcoming sump install in my unfinished basement, and used an Eaton GFCI I already had in the drawer. But I'm reading a lot of debate on this - about half say to use regular receptacles, others say use a GFCI (preferably with an alarm). I don't think Nova Scotia has any code requiring one. I'm going to be using a new 1/3hp Myers pump, so it _shouldn't_ have any faults that would trip a GFCI.
What does the manufacturer recommend? That will supersede anything the internet has to say about it, and usually local codes too. IMO you want it on a GFCI, and place that GFCI in a convenient location if the pump is hard to get to. As for an alarm, being that this is in your basement, particularly unfinished and unmonitored, it would be a good idea to have one, regardless of code requirements in your area. The alarm wouldn't just notify you of a sump problem, it would let you know if you had a pipe failure as well, which can help minimize the level of damage that occurs should the worst happen.
The Myers manual doesn't specify, only that it should be on a 15A circuit. But I tend to agree with GFCI protection for anything sitting in a pool of water. Sump will be in an open area and no problem to access the outlet. We don't tend to travel in the winter/early spring when the water table is most problematic, so I will roll with the current GFCI for now and just keep an eye on it. I am in the basement a lot anyway for the washer/dryer, work bench, and one finished mancave room on the opposite end. I've always obsessively checked the basement for water for years now, so no real difference to me haha.
Canadian code says GFCI I believe .
Good stuff, thanks! Next up - jackhammer rental.
Yeah GFCI is absolutely required for all unfinished basement and garage circuits, because both are subject to moisture. If the basement is finished you need AFCI circuits like the rest of the finished house. Researching this it's interesting to note that Manitoba requires a dedicated appliance circuit for sump pumps.
Makes sense. I labeled my outlet "sump only", not risking anything interfering with it.
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