240v GFCI

[John G]

Hey everyone

I'm still working on my EHERMs setup and want to tackle the GFCI safety part of it. In the US a lot are using a GE 50A GFCI spa panel (NEC approved) as a sub panel with a standard 240v breaker in their main house panel. The Home Depot sells one in the USA is only $50 compared to all the ones I can find in Canada that are $100+. Does anyone know if I was able to get the USA NEC approved one from HD whether it would be up to code in Canada or do I have to pay more for the CSA approved ones I can find around here? Hoping there may be an electrician on the forums who would know the answer to this.

Thanks
John

[NASH]

You may recall that I'm not an electrician but I'm sure if they require a CSA tag here then yes, you need it to be up to code.

[derek]

You may recall that I'm not an electrician but I'm sure if they require a CSA tag here then yes, you need it to be up to code.

Me neither, though I did take one community college wiring course. At the time (~20 years ago), electrical equipment in Canada required one of: CSA certification; Ontario Hydro (I think that's just grandfathering - I don't believe they certify anything anymore); or UL. afaik, anything sold on the US market will be UL approved, and thus legal in Canada. But, as I say, it's quite a few years back...

I still don't understand why we don't have easily available 240V GFCI equipment. I didn't get it 20 years ago, either...

[John G]

Yeah, true enough. Stupid question really.

I think the main reason there is a price difference b/w the HD.com and HD.ca units is that the Canadian ones have 120/240v GFCI or room in the panel for extra breakers whereas the USA version has only 240v GFCI and no room for expansion ro 120V option. I've found one on ebay in Ontario that is reasonably priced and approved for Canada that I'll probably pick up.

[BBrianBoogie]

Yup, wouldn't pass code in Canada.