[dann0187]

So I have just installed a sump pump in my crawl space. My issue is I dont have an outlet in the crawl space. I have been going back and forth on how to get an outlet into the crawl space. I don't really want to run a new curcuit if I don't have to.

I have an gfci outlet that is in the garage that I never use. I was thinking about running it into the crawl space which is just on the other side of the wall. I may need to add a junction box to make the wire a little longer. My concern is that it is on a switch in the garage along with an outside post light. Is there a way to take the GFcI off the switch and leave the post light on the switch? Is this a good idea or no?? Thanks!

 

[MrElectricianTV]

So I have just installed a sump pump in my crawl space. My issue is I dont have an outlet in the crawl space. I have been going back and forth on how to get an outlet into the crawl space. I don't really want to run a new curcuit if I don't have to.

I have an gfci outlet that is in the garage that I never use. I was thinking about running it into the crawl space which is just on the other side of the wall. I may need to add a junction box to make the wire a little longer. My concern is that it is on a switch in the garage along with an outside post light. Is there a way to take the GFcI off the switch and leave the post light on the switch? Is this a good idea or no?? Thanks!

It may be possible to make the change. Without seeing your existing wiring, I have no idea what needs to be done to make it happen. You need an unswitched hot and a neutral conductor to power the sump pump. Do you have a hot and a neutral in the same box?

 

[dann0187]

Well I opened up the outlet and thus what I see. Kinda confusing to me. Maybe I should just run a new circuit??? lol

 

[dann0187]

Another pic of the outlet

 

[Jim Port]

That is just an older gfi receptacle with wire leads. Newer ones do not have the leads and use back wired clamps.

 

[throrope]

I'd leave the GFCI outlet as is in the garage. As I understand, GFCI's can be forgone where nuisance tripping may cause greater issues as with a sump pump not running. Since those pumps are often 1/2 hp or more, I suggest a new circuit.

 

[dann0187]

I have a outlet that is in the living room. This outlet is actually right above sump pump in the crawl space. Could I wire another outlet off of this outlet? Btw the sump is 1/3 hp.

 

[Arrow3030]

Yes. Change the living room receptacle to a GFCI so that the new receptacle in the crawl is gfci protected and readily accessible. You're also required to add arc fault protection anytime a living room circuits wiring is modified. Sometimes this is as easy as changing a breaker; sometimes it's quite involved.

 

[dann0187]

Ok so I would put a gfci on the living room outlet and not on the pump outlet? Why not just put the gfci on the pump outlet? I don't know if it's easy to explain but how do I know if i can just put a arc protect breaker on or if it needs more extensive work? Thanks!

 

[MrElectricianTV]

Ok so I would put a gfci on the living room outlet and not on the pump outlet? Why not just put the gfci on the pump outlet? I don't know if it's easy to explain but how do I know if i can just put a arc protect breaker on or if it needs more extensive work? Thanks!

It is better to have the GFCI where it is easily accessible. In the crawl space you would not know that the GFCI tripped until you have a flood and you have to go in and reset it.

With the installation of an AFCI circuit breaker, the neutral conductor is also connected to the breaker. The breaker has it's own white wire which gets connected to the neutral bar.

There is always a risk with the installation of AFCI's on older existing wiring that it will trip as a result of existing loose connections, or something else that isn't exactly right. Worst case is you would have to check the wiring and connections of the entire circuit.

 

[dann0187]

well that makes a lot of sense about putting the gfci in the living room. Lol I'm a big dummy. : ) another question for ya. Could I use a arc fault outlet instead of the arc breaker?

 

[Arrow3030]

You can. The hard part about that can be finding the first outlet in the circuit. When modifying an existing circuit, the entire circuit is required to be arc fault protected.

 

[Oso954]

I wouldn't add the sump pump to either circuit discussed without mapping the circuits out to determine what loads are already on them, and what other loads might be temporarily placed on them, vacuuming, Xmas lights, etc.

You seem to be looking for any "shortcut" vs running a new circuit across the garage and into the crawl space. Why ?

A new dedicated circuit from the breaker box to a blankface GFCI in the garage and then to the pump location would be the best solution, IMO. Nothing the spouse or kids plug in elsewhere will trip it, and a nice dry and handy location for the GFCI.

 

[Arrow3030]

That would be best. The only argument I have against it is that if the living room circuit trips, he'll know his pump isn't powered because daily life will be interrupted.

 

[dann0187]

Well I was going to just run a new circuit till a friend gave the idea of using the living room outlet I guess I'm just trying to find the easiest way to do it. I've never ran a wire down a wall before I assume it's not that difficult. Lol I think I'll just run the new circuit. Is a 15 amp breaker ok to use? Thank you guys for answering my questions!!!

 

[Arrow3030]

Yes 15 amp is okay. You never know what's going to happen when wiring through a finished wall. Good luck!