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    Firefyte's Avatar
    Firefyte Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 26, 2012, 03:12 PM
    Replacing a GFCI outlet with a light switch
    The contractor that installed our jet tub wired it through a GFCI outlet in the small enclosed room where the toilet is located. The on/off switch on the tub is very easy to activate so I have been leaving the breaker on the GFCI outlet "off" to avoid accidentally burning out the pump. This has resulted in having to replace the GFCI outlet several times. I would like to find a better solution to simply replacing the outlet... can I just remove the outlet and install a switch? I do not want to break any elec codes but does the jet tub pump need to go through the GFCI outlet? We don't use the outlet in the toilet room so replacing it with a switch seemed like the best solution.


    Any advice?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Jul 27, 2012, 05:48 AM
    The tub requires GFI protection. I do not know why the GFI receptacle is failing. Having a switch control it should not cause any problems.

    You can have a GFI circuit breaker to protect the entire circuit, and eliminate the GFI receptacle.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jul 27, 2012, 08:17 AM
    Hi FF

    I'd install a combination GFCI with a switch in this case (see image). This would fit in the same electrical box and keep you from having to mess with the gfci test/reset buttons.

    Have a licensed electrician do the swap out and confirm that you are GFCI protected... very important when mixing water and electricity, OK?

    Mark
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    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #4

    Jul 27, 2012, 09:21 AM
    Nice device MassP, one stop shop, should solve the problem.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jul 27, 2012, 09:44 AM
    Thing is, it is highly doubtful that switch in the above sw/GFI device is rated for a motor that one might find in a tub.
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