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View Full Version : When adding a GFCI disconnect for hottub, should I replace GFCI in service panel?


kpierre
Jan 21, 2008, 05:32 PM
I have a hottub now but without a disconnect. Its simply a 6/3-50 amp wire that runs from the hottub to a 50amp GFCI inside the house main service panel. I want to install a disconnect 5-10 feet from the hottub. I bought a disconnect box that already has a GFCI inside of it.
Should I have bought one that does not have a breaker inside?
If I use this one, should I replace the GFCI in the main service panel with a regualr breaker? If not, will 2 GFCI's on one circuit cause it to have false trips?

ballengerb1
Jan 22, 2008, 12:32 PM
Either get a disconnect without a GCFI built into it or pull the GFCI from the main panel. You do not want 2 on the same circuit.

kpierre
Jan 22, 2008, 12:45 PM
Either get a disconnect without a GCFI built into it or pull the GFCI from the main panel. You do not want 2 on the same circuit.

Because?
-If it's a waste of money to have both, I already have both and will cost more to eliminate one of them.
-If because it will not work properly, then I have no choice to spend more money

KISS
Jan 22, 2008, 12:54 PM
It will work and it's probably legal. Portable Hair dryers are sometimes supplied with a GFCI on the cord. They are plugged into GFCI outlets sometimes.

What will happen is depending on the tolerences of the particular devices employed, one may trip faster than the other or both may trip and it may not be predictable, so if you have a trip, you may have to check both devices. It may mean that one particular GFCI may trip first most of the time.

kpierre
Jan 22, 2008, 01:02 PM
It will work and it's probably legal. Portable Hair dryers are sometimes supplied with a GFCI on the cord. They are plugged into GFCI outlets sometimes.

What will happen is depending on the tolerences of the particular devices employed, one may trip faster than the other or both may trip and it may not be predictable, so if you have a trip, you may have to check both devices. It may mean that one particular GFCI may trip first most of the time.

Thanks - greatly appreciated