I am looking into hooking up a hot tub to my 150 amp panel. I have 3 unused breakers left in the panel(2@15 amp and 1@20 amp). It also looks like I have some knock-out spots remaining. I have a total of 22 breakers in their spots right now with 19 being used. I have a 2100 sq. ft. home with range/oven, air cond. gas water heater, shower sauna unit, 42 in. TV, computer/printer, gas heat, refrigerator and stereo. Would my 150 amp panel be sufficient or will I need to upgrade to 200 amps? I'm going to use 1 of the spare breakers to run outdoor lights for a patio and deck. Thanks for any help.

The 42" TV throws you over the limit. Does smaller TV sound OK. But serious.
I would Hook up Hot Tub. Probably Ok, The Gas Heat Helps reduce load.
If a problem developes, Upgrade. If you have the Money, Upgrade anyway.
I was assuming Electric for heat. Gas heat will help. Use a cover.

Can you tell us the requirements of the tub and is it gas or electric heat. Electric heated models may require q 50 amp GFI made for hot tubs. These are large breakers and may not fit your old panel but you can install a sub panel. The breaker run about $85 at HD if you need one.

Thanks for the input... the home heat is gas and the hot tub requires a 50 amp fuse. If I'm good I'll leave it for now 'til I get the cash for the upgrade.. thanks again for the fast replies. Brian

BTW... that was clever about the TV thing... thanks again for the help

Assuming some reasonable loads for the appliances missing the information, such as the following:

AC-26 amps
Sauna- 30 amps
Hot Tub- 40 amps

And then include the standard loads as required by code, such as 3 watts per sq ft for general lighting, 2 small appliance circuits, 1 laundry, 1 dryer, and using the Optional Method AC larger than Heat, I calculate the service size to be 156 amps.

So, if I am using accurate loads, the 150 amp service is undersized.

If you can furnish accurate loads in amps or watts for the appliances I listed we can tweak the numbers.

Sorry, but sizing a service should not be a shot from the hip.

Tkrussel...

I have found that the sauna is 30 amp and the ac is min of 25 VA, hot tub will be 50 amp breaker... the heat is also gas

Are those breaker sizes or nameplate ratings?

The statement "ac is min of 25 VA" does not make sense, is that typo?

25 Va equals a 25 watt light bulb, that a pretty small AC unit.

Min circuit amps is 21.6 and a 40 amp breaker is what's on the plate on the side of unit.

When the eletrician set up my hot tub he by-passed the main breaker and put the hottub in it's own 60amp sub-panel.

So, looks like I was only 4.4 amps off on the AC. Even if I am a bit high on my assumptions, seems the 150 amp service will be borderline.

What about some real numbers for the sauna and hot tub?

If you use all the lighting and appliances conservatively you won't need a 200 amp service right off, bit I do recommend that you upgrade soon.

Be prepared for some healthy electric bills also.

Michael, bypassing the main breaker, I would be curious to see how that was done, may allow power to the tub and not trip the breaker, however, the system before the main is sized the same as the main and still be overloaded, all the while the main won't trip, giving a false sense of security.

He pulled the meter and hooked up a sub panel right where the main line comes in bypassing the main breaker. I don't know if that is the correct way to do it but I've had a couple of electricians come out since and nobody has complained. I do a lot of home improvement stuff but I don't do electricity, I always manage to shock myself so I've learned to stay away. So I can't really give more details.

Mechanically there maybe no problem, may not be a problem with overloading, all depends on the size of the service.
Was it done with a permit and the work inspected?
I just want to be sure any reader does not get the wrong impression on how to get a tub connected if the main is not large enough.