| 230 Volt Spas These days, somes spas of this design will provide for a built in
GFCI, called a "High-Current GFCI", that will protect all parts of the spa control
system. Just be careful though. There is
virtually no difference in the appearance of a newer high current gfci, and a standard flat face
gfci that only protects 115 volt components.... oh yes, spas have been made this way for years,
with integrated 115 volt gfci's to protect only a component or two. But unfortunately it was
necessary to at least provide some measure of protection to the most critically exposed (those that
could be most easily exposed to water and create a hazardous situation) components, sometimes as a
response to UL/NEC recommendations/regulations, reduce product liability, and yet in others, as a
way to offer an easy way to switch the spa on and off at the spa control panel. Many of you that
have been around for a while will recall some spa control packs that show this as an On/Off switch.
Even if it only protects 115 volt components, some protection is better than nothing! Specifically,
if you've got a spa that has 230 Volt pump motors, a 230 Volt heater, and a 115 Volt blower motor,
with a 12 volt (reduced via a transformer) spa light.
I suspect that the latter is the real reason why most control
packs had them in the first place... was to meet NEC Code regarding pool lighting & electrical
safety requirements.
Recommendations
Even if you have an integral high current GFCI built into the
spa, I still recommend installing one at the main breaker box or at the remote disconnect. Why?
Well, my experience shows that integral types of GFCI's will not last as long as one that is built
to "industrial strength" standards to be mounted in its' own breaker box.... also, why
leave it to question anyway? These things are for your safety, and having the additional backup
protection is rather cheap compared to the obvious....
Testing
To test one of these types of GFCI's, simply open the breaker
box and press the "Test" button. If the circuit breaker trips, then it is working
properly. Please note that this only tests the GFCI functionality as a test of the breaker itself.
It will NOT tell you whether or not your spa is properly grounded!
To reset it, simply switch it off, (the breaker), and then
back on again. Power should be restored to the spa.
Monthly Tests
A homeowner SHOULD perform at least monthly tests on the GFCI to
ensure proper operation. GFCI's of the 220 Volt variety will come with a sheet that can be attached
to the interior of the circuit breaker panel door, to log monthly test results. Be sure that one is
there, and if not, make one of your own so that you can keep track of your test
results. If at any time, the GFCI will not pass
this test, then:
1. You've got a problem with your spa,
or
2. You've got a problem with the wiring between the
GFCI and the spa, or
3. You've got a defective GFCI.
To determine troubleshooting methods,
click here
115
Volt GFCI's
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