[jananne]

Are GFI outlets required by the state of Texas in jacuzzi tubs? A friend of mine said this was the case, however, when I purchased my loft last year, my inspector, who inspected the motor of the jacuzzi, never made mention of this. I checked the outlet myself today under the tub and discovered it is a commercial outlet for a three prong plug. It is not a GFI outlet.

[stew_1962]

Are GFI outlets required by the state of Texas in jacuzzi tubs? A friend of mine said this was the case, however, when I purchased my loft last year, my inspector, who inspected the motor of the jacuzzi, never made mention of this. I checked the outlet myself today under the tub and discovered it is a commercial outlet for a three prong plug. It is not a GFI outlet.

Maybe the circuit breaker supplying the outlet is a GFI?

[stanfortyman]

I don't know of anyplace that would omit the requirement for GFI protection of a whirlpool tub.

I also suspect a GFI breaker. Very common.
How about a funny looking device, with no holes, on a wall in the bathroom with a "test" and "reset" buttons on it?

[ballengerb1]

I agree with these posts. You will almost never see a whirlpool plugged into a GFCI outlet. Most whirlpool connections are hidden behind a panel so a GFCI outlet would be very inconvenient. Its most likely a GFCI breaker on your panel.

[jananne]

I don't know of anyplace that would omit the requirement for GFI protection of a whirlpool tub.

I also suspect a GFI breaker. Very common.
How about a funny looking device, with no holes, on a wall in the bathroom with a "test" and "reset" buttons on it?

Thank you. I have checked my circuit breaker box and it appears that it is a GFI breaker. I will have someone who is confident about these things double check. I will also let my concerned neighbors know this is probably the case in their lofts as well.

[ballengerb1]

Just flip that GFCI off and try the tub. If you have no power then that is the right breaker, especially if the power to the tub returns when you throw the breaker back to ON.

[jananne]

I agree with these posts. You will almost never see a whirlpool plugged into a GFCI outlet. Most whirlpool connections are hidden behind a panel so a GFCI outlet would be very inconvenient. Its most likely a GFCI breaker on your panel.

Yes, it appears you are correct. Thank you for your quick response. I'm new to this site but am very impressed. I love it when I learn something new and all of my respondents have taught me to become acquainted with my circuit breaker box. I have studied it closely and I'm quite happy to say shame on me for not having done this earlier. Live and Learn.

[westnlas]

It is common here in California and Nevada to wire the GFI breaker receptacle into a plug circuit. That way all the plugs in the circuit are protected. My bathrooms are wired to the one in my garage and all the kitchen plugs have a common GFI receptacle near the GD switch.
The downside is locating it when it trips. Evidently it must be cheaper than putting it at the breaker panel ?

Just thought I would toss this in as food for thought.