Ask Me Help Desk - 50 amp GFI panel

50 amp GFI panel

I would like to install a 50A GFI breaker on the outside of my house for the hot tub. There is a water tap within a foot though. I can't move it further away because the fence separating mine and my neighbnours house is there. Is it OK for a outdoor 50A panel to be mounted next to a water outlet?

Thanks
Todd

Code says no

What's the distance/code?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogdeville

Code says no

you may be able wait on an expert to answer. You can do it but I don't know if code says you can.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stratmando

Whats the distance/code?

I could maybe get 2 feet. If I move it the other way the hot tub and the gfi breaker would be separated by the fence. Any ideas?

Dodgeville-Where does the code say no? I don't see anything in the code regarding distance in this particular nature. Distance requirements for spas and hot tubs refer to current carrying devices and make no reference to water spigots. Water shouldn't be a worry since it will get rained on anyway. My AC disconnect, non GFCI, is 8" away from the faucet, my main 200 amp disconnect is maybe 2 ft away from an outside faucet.

Todd,
The clearance requirements are located in the National Electrical Code, 110.26...
If you have a 30" wide access to the breaker, 36" of clear space in front of the breaker, and 6.5 feet of headroom at the breaker, the code says "yes". (do you also meet all other req's?)
Of course since we are not there we can't see what you may not have told us...
There are a lot of other requirements for swimming pools, hot tubs, fountains.. etc. if you
Are getting a permit and inspection it may help with getting it all correctly installed.

I should also add that the water outlet is OK as long as it is not above or under the breaker enclosure and not in the 30" width of clearance (measured from either side of the breaker enclosure...

Quote:

Originally Posted by hfcarson

I should also add that the water outlet is ok as long as it is not above or under the breaker enclosure and not in the 30" width of clearance (measured from either side of the breaker enclosure...

Great. Thanks for all your help I think I got my answer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddneedshelp

Great. Thanks for all your help I think I got my answer.

You did, in the last few replies.
I have no idea why dogdeville replied with incorrect information when he obviously does not know the codes. This is not stuff to guess at.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

You did, in the last few replies.
I have no idea why dogdeville replied with incorrect information when he obviously does not know the codes. This is not stuff to guess at.

I don't think that's a nice thing to say. Yes this is an important decision and if you want better advice hire a electrician and stop taking a short cut

Being close is not really dangerous, especially with the closed cover, I don't think you would change the Breaker, while filling a buck of water?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogdeville

I don't think that's a nice thing to say.

I'm not here to be nice. I am here to give factual and code accurate information. This is not a guessing game. Replies should NOT begin with "I think...", or "I was always told..."

If you give poor, non-compliant, or incorrect advice expect to be called on it.

IMO if you are not a professional in the field in question you should not be giving out advice. I just wish that was enforceable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

I'm not here to be nice. I am here to give factual and code accurate information. This is not a guessing game. Replies should begin with "I think...", or "I was always told..."

If you give poor, non-compliant, or incorrect advice expect to be called on it.

IMO if you are not a professional in the field in question you should not be giving out advice. I just wish that was enforceable.

I made myself clear so bully someone else. I have general knowledge on everything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogdeville

I made myself clear so bully someone else. I have general knowledge on everything.

"I have knowledge in everything???" hahaha obviously you don't. Stanfortyman put you in your place, tuck your tail between your legs and go home pal. Thanks to those who gave good/ real advice

Jack of all trades, Master of none!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogdeville

I made myself clear so bully someone else.

Oh please. Go play the victim somewhere else.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogdeville

I have general knowledge on everything.

Which means you should not be giving professional advice on anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma0641

Jack of all trades, Master of none!!

I own I own 7 business and my 29 birthday was June 11. I also built my own house. I also have a full time job. So yea I know more than you 2, 2

1 Attachment(s)

The circuit breaker enclosure can be directly next to the water outlet. The breaker enclosure cannot be under or over the water outlet.

To clear this matter up, I have included the page of illustations showing how to interpret the NEC 2008 edition of Section 110.26 Spaces About Electrical Electrical Equipment.

If you look closely, the dedicated space on the wall is only as wide as the panel, and nothing above or below is allowed.

The working space in front is for clear working access, and does not include the wall space.

This answer clears up this matter for all parties that have replied to the original question, to include a reference to the actual Code involved.

This thread is closed.