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smokejumper
Nov 20, 2011, 04:15 PM
Hot tub 120 havc 20 amp what size wire and breaker do I need to hook it up

ma0641
Nov 20, 2011, 05:02 PM
Is it going to be direct wire or will it have a plug with an integral GFCI?

smokejumper
Nov 20, 2011, 05:26 PM
I was going to hook it to a gfi breaker.. so it will be direct plug, but should I use a 20 amp breaker

ma0641
Nov 21, 2011, 02:21 PM
Since you no doubt have a motor in the pump, you need, by code, to rerate the load at 125%. Therefore, your load is 25Amps. I would use a #10 Cu wire and a 30Amp breaker.

tkrussell
Nov 22, 2011, 03:49 AM
What do the instructions require for electric service?

Dr_Spa
Nov 29, 2011, 09:59 AM
Spas are typically rated by the size of the circuit they require. As such, you needs a 20a GFCI and 12 gauge wire.

MA0641 is correct about the 125% rule, HOWEVER, your pump motor probably is rated at a MAXIMUM of 12 amps (and more likely 8 to 10 amps). As such, a 30a circuit isn't necessary (125% of 12a is only 15 amps).

ma0641
Nov 29, 2011, 02:10 PM
Unfortunately, he never answered as to what the plate says. I interpreted "hot tub 120 havc 20 amp" to mean it was rated at 20 Amps. Why ask what size breaker if he has a 20? It could also have a heater.

Dr_Spa
Nov 29, 2011, 02:42 PM
It almost certainly does have a heater... but the way these things are designed, only the low speed of the pump (generally around 2 to 3 amps) runs when it's heating. When you turn on the high speed of the pump, the heater shuts off... The is the industry standard for how they operate.