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    vf3's Avatar
    vf3 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jun 20, 2008, 01:14 PM
    220 Volt GFCI Operation without Neutral
    I am installing a 220-volt circuit consisting of two (2) #6 conductors and a #10 ground via rigid conduit to a 50-amp Hot Tub. I have also run a bonding wire to the load center which is within 5-feet of the hot tub. Inside the load center the neutral and ground have been bonded. I didn't run a neutral because I don't have a requirement for 110-volt service. The GFCI functions properly in this configuration but I am not sure that I am in conformance with the code. Can someone direct me to the proper location in the code so that I can figure out if this configuration is OK or I need to go through the trouble of adding a neutral. Thanks
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #2

    Jun 20, 2008, 01:56 PM
    Neutrals are not required for GFCI's to function properly.

    If your concerned get a resitor that's R <= 240/25E-3 and the wattage of that resistor should be W> (240)(240)/R and connect it from one of the 240 legs to ground. Breaker should trip.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jun 20, 2008, 02:43 PM
    1) GFI/disconnect should be at least 5' from the tub.

    2) You DO NOT need a bond from the tub to the panel.

    3) The neutral should NOT be bonded in this panel/disconnect!

    4) A GFI does not need a LOAD neutral to function. It DOES however need a LINE neutral to function.
    The only reason it works is because the neutral is bonded in the panel. IF this is a sub-panel then this is incorrect.
    If the tub is a straight 240v load then you are correct in that you do not need a neutral to the tub.

    Tell us if the panel housing the GFI breaker is the main panel or a sub-panel.
    vf3's Avatar
    vf3 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jun 20, 2008, 05:22 PM
    Thank you guys for trying to help.

    The load center is a SUB PANEL to the MAIN PANEL. The main panel has a 60-amp two pole breaker. I ran 2-#6's and 1-#10 from the main panel to the load center. I did not run a neutral. All loads at the load center are 220-volt.

    If I can't bond the neutral bus in the sub-panel then I definitely need a neutral for the GFCI to work. It works now but only because I bonded the sub-panel.

    It's going to be a pain in the you know what but I see that I may have to pull the wires out and add the conductor. If I need the neutral do I need a #6 or can I use something smaller?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #5

    Jun 20, 2008, 05:49 PM
    Yup, you definitely need a neutral. For a feeder wire that small I would stay with the same size.
    Washington1's Avatar
    Washington1 Posts: 798, Reputation: 36
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    #6

    Jun 20, 2008, 06:35 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid
    Neutrals are not required for GFCI's to function properly.

    If your concerned get a resitor that's R <= 240/25E-3 and the wattage of that resistor should be W> (240)(240)/R and connect it from one of the 240 legs to ground. Breaker should trip.
    Wow!:eek: Don't kill us with the technical stuff! <Joke>:D ;)
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