Water fountain on GFCI???

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Did a commercial inspection today. Small office building. Should a water fountain be on ground fault?

[W. Michael Chris]

Joe, sure seems to be right, but I'm not sure . . . I would think you have the potential for water to spill over the sides . . . good question, will await to hear from others, 'cause I don't know either.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Did a commercial inspection today. Small office building. Should a water fountain be on ground fault?

Attachment 25782

Yes. NEC 2005 440.21

The protective device can have a rating/setting of up to 175% of the motor-compressor rated load current and need not be less than 15 amps.

[Michael Larson]

As of the 2008 NEC code cycle a GFCI circuit is required.


422.52 — ELECTRIC DRINKING FOUNTAINS

GFCI protection for electric drinking fountains was added.

Electric drinking fountains shall be connected to a GFCI-protected outlet. Author's comment: This new requirement was brought about without documentation of an electrical accident or incident.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Thanks to all. Just what I needed.