What is a GFCI breaker and are they easily installed? Is it something that we could do ourselves. We have a spa and the guy who just repaired it said we do not need to use the spa unitl we have a 50 amp GFCI breaker installed.
2007-02-16 04:18:32 · 5 answers · asked by dsjnix 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This link should help:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/gfci
2007-02-16 04:21:21 · answer #1 · answered by Meg M 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yea a GFCI or GFI breaker is easy to install.... It is called a GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER GFCI... Spas are usually on a 50 amp Breaker, or have a weatherproof sub panel within 10' of the spa. A GFCI has two hot legs (wires) a black and red. Both go on the front screws. a white (neutral goes on the back of the circuit breaker. There is a White wire coiled up coming from the breaker that goes into the NEUTRAL BAR, you need to remove a screw from the top left or right of your control panel to install this, make sure it is securely tight! Your Ground (copper wire) is to go into the same neutral bar, unless you have a ground bar, and it is isolated, meaning you have an outside disconnect. With Everything very tight you can put the breaker into the control panel, it should pop in from the middle to the left, or right depending which direction you are installing from. once it is secured, place the cover on and test your circuit. It should not pop unless it has a lose neutral, or it has a nick in it somewhere.... other than that its not very hard to install
2007-02-16 04:27:58 · answer #2 · answered by TheDiciple 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep... if you have a 50 apm breaker in the Box and feel comfortable taking it out and installing the GFCI one it's pretty easy. Codes do require them on new spa instalations.... I'd recomend replacing older breakers with one on older spa's too.
If you don't feel comfortable working inside the electrical panel hire an electrician.
2007-02-16 04:24:20 · answer #3 · answered by mdlbldrmatt135 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A GFCI breaker is a switch that will shut the electric off automatically if something electrical is dropped into the spa.Have a certified electrician install it since proper installation could mean the difference between life & death.
2007-02-16 04:29:10 · answer #4 · answered by jimbobob 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
this is a breaker outlet installed in proximity to water. GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER. It breaks the circuit if water conducts any current around the outlet and prevents people in water from getting electrocuted.
2007-02-16 04:24:40 · answer #5 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋