Change Summary

• The phrase “rated 15 or 20 amperes,” has been deleted from this section
• All single–phase 120-volt through 240-volt outlets supplying pool motors must have GFCI protection for personnel regardless of their ampere rating
• These requirements apply to both receptacle connected and directly connected pool pump motors

Expert Analysis

This section no longer addresses a specific ampere rating for a single–phase 120 volt through 240 volt motor. Therefore, all single-phase 120 volt through 240 volt pool pump motors of any amperage, must be provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. 

According to the substantiation of the proposal, a single 1.5 HP, 230 volt pool pump motor would be permitted to be installed on a 25 ampere branch circuit without GFCI protection whereas a 1 HP 230 volt motor would require a 20 ampere overcurrent device in addition to ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. The substantiation continues by asking the simple question “If there is a shock hazard potential for 20 ampere branch circuits feeding pool pump motors, doesn’t the same shock hazard apply to 25 ampere branch circuits or any size branch circuits feeding single-phase pool pump motors?” The Code making panel accepted this proposal without a statement.