GFI outlet vs GFI plugin

[Paul_G_]

I need some electrical advise, it's not on an RV but please help.


I have a hot tub with a 20 amp -110v GFI plugin at the end of the power cord which plugs into a non GFI 20 amp outlet. The plugin went bad and I need to replace it.

My question is what would be wrong with putting in a 20 amp GFI outlet in place of the 20 amp non GFI outlet and just put a standard plugin on the power cord.

I my small mind, they are basically the same but I'm not an electrician so I hoping one will respond.

I just want to make sure the hot tub and occupants are protected.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please let me know.

Thanks.

Paul....

[drsteve]

wa8yxm wrote:
or you can replace the circuit breaker with a GFCI-breaker though I do not know if that would be safer or not.

They are equally safe. The breakers are very pricey. GFCI breakers are required for hard wired equipment like spas and pools, or when protecting a shared-neutral circuit, which can only be accomplished with a 2-pole GFCI breaker.

[wa8yxm]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Change out the outlet to a GFI outlet.
Change plug to standard plug

Crank up the tub and enjoy!

Best advice in thread, Could not have said it better.. This is actually BETTER than the original.

or you can replace the circuit breaker with a GFCI-breaker though I do not know if that would be safer or not.

(Safer because you reset it away from any water and such, More dangerous because you can not physically see the outlet while resetting)

[Bobbo]

naturist wrote:
Glad that worked out for ya. Wisdom councils that ANY outlet that is going to supply power outside or anywhere there could be water should be a GFCI protected outlet, either at the circuit breaker or the outlet. So it is good you didn't just go cheap and do a regular outlet/cord.

True that!

When I bought my S&B house 4 years ago, the very first thing I did was replace every outside outlet, kitchen outlet, and bathroom outlet with GFI. (Or made them a load on another GFI outlet. Kitchen has 1 GFI protecting 3 outlets, bathroom has 1 GFI protecting 2 outlets.)

[naturist]

Glad that worked out for ya. Wisdom councils that ANY outlet that is going to supply power outside or anywhere there could be water should be a GFCI protected outlet, either at the circuit breaker or the outlet. So it is good you didn't just go cheap and do a regular outlet/cord.

[Paul_G_]

Got it done, new GFI outlet/receptical and standard plugin, both 20 amp. Two reasons for doing it this way, the cost $75.00 plus 120 mile round trip to the dealer and local hardware store had what I needed.

Thanks for the help.

Paul...

[drsteve]

pugslyyy wrote:
Just curious, what would the benefit be to your approach?

My guess would be it's cheaper and more convenient to just buy a GFI at the hardware store, instead of replacing the $pecial power cord.

[pugslyyy]

Just curious, what would the benefit be to your approach?

Also, are you sure that the outlet GFCI does not also protect other outlets? It's pretty normal to have a branch circuit where the first outlet has the GFCI but all the other outlets are protected.

[Old-Biscuit]

Change out the outlet to a GFI outlet.
Change plug to standard plug

Crank up the tub and enjoy!