View Full Version : Wiring a hot tub.
battle
Jul 1, 2009, 04:46 AM
I am going to be wiring a hot tub on the deck. I bought it from someone that sold their house. I have two questions. The motor says it is rated for 40 Amps, yet the it was hooked up to a 50 Amp breaker. Should I hook it back up to a 50 Amp breaker or should I go with a 40 Amp breaker?
The disconnect on the outside of the house has a GFI in the same box. I know I need the disconnect, but do I need the GFI. Should I use this or should I use a GFI breaker enstead. (or should I use neither). I think I need one or the other.
Thanks for the help.
battle
tkrussell
Jul 1, 2009, 06:08 AM
I believe your misreading the label. A 40 amp motor would be one heck of a motor. I believe the 40 amp rating is of the tub both motor and heater.
A tub that draws 40 amps would need a 50 amp breaker and circuit.
Yes a hot tub must be protected by a GFI device, it can be either at the panel or at the tub.
Most times the GFI breaker is at the tub and used as the local service disconnect switch.
Washington1
Jul 1, 2009, 10:47 AM
I am going to be wiring a hot tub on the deck. I bought it from someone that sold their house. I have two questions. The motor says it is rated for 40 Amps, yet the it was hooked up to a 50 Amp breaker. Should I hook it back up to a 50 Amp breaker or should I go with a 40 Amp breaker?
The disconnect on the outside of the house has a GFI in the same box. I know I need the disconnect, but do I need the GFI. Should I use this or should I use a GFI breaker enstead. (or should I use neither). I think I need one or the other.
Thanks for the help.
battle
If you aren't confident in this install, find someone who is!! I frown on people trying to guess on installing electrical for swimming pools or similar installations. Some things should be left to professionals.
tkrussell
Jul 2, 2009, 04:51 AM
The entire trade should be left to professionals, but no way to stop anyone from doing their own work.
I overheard a HarDware store clerk explaining exactly the wrong way of doing something to a customer.
I did approach the customer afterwards and gave him proper instructions on that task, he was very appreciative.
Durning a converstation I had with the State Electrical Inspector once, I mentioned this, all he could do is offer that no one can stop anyone from doing their own work and killing themselves.
At least some come here and ask the right questions.
Washington1
Jul 2, 2009, 09:06 AM
The entire trade should be left to professionals, but no way to stop anyone from doing their own work.
I overheard a HarDware store clerk explaining exactly the wrong way of doing something to a customer.
I did approach the customer afterwards and gave him proper instructions on that task, he was very appreciative.
Durning a converstation I had with the State Electrical Inspector once, I mentioned this, all he could do is offer that no one can stop anyone from doing their own work and killing themselves.
At least some come here and ask the right questions.
I like the way you presented the HD :D
I agree, but this want stop me from speaking safety. We are talking about a hot tub here, not a single pole light switch. I'm sure I can't stop people from doing their own work, but I can warn them. The State needs to close their trap. While they are sending their time harassing legitimate businesses (Example: Tax hikes, Business license hikes, Electrical permit hikes and compliance) , we have people who aren't legitimate doing illegal electrical work all day long, and this includes State workers. What a bunch of money hungry frauds!! :rolleyes:
tkrussell
Jul 2, 2009, 09:33 AM
Yea, pretty clever ain't I.
Don't Stop bringing up safety, ever.