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FreddyRenno · Mar 3, 2009, 08:58 AM

HI,

I have a jacuzzi bath tub I am installing. It has a 7 amp pump, a 9amp heater and an LED light. Each of these electrical loads are actuated by air switches on the tub. Each of these electrical loads have their own 15 amp, grounded plugs which fit into a standard receptacle. How do I wire this thing?

From what I understand I need a single switch under the tub which will kill the supply to all three units. Since the plugs are 15 amp plugs, I apparently can't plug them into a single 20 amp circuit because a short could cause the 15 amp plug to set a fire before the 20 amp breaker blows. At the same time, I'm told that because I need a single disconnect, I can't run 2 separate 15 amp circuits?:eek:

Any one have any suggestions?

FreddyRenno

ballengerb1 · Mar 3, 2009, 09:12 AM

Freddy, your plugs are the type that fit into a 15 amp outlet but they are not carrying 15 amps each. It appears your total draw will be 16 amps so a single 20 amp circuit should be just fine, needs 12-2 wire. Your fears about plugging all three plugs into a single circuit are not a problem if the circuit to the outlet is at least 12/2 wire. You can install a 4x4 witch box with a 15 amp rated duplex along side a single switched outlet which is rated for 20 amps. Run your black hot to and then from the switch then on to each outlet with a pigtail.

stanfortyman · Mar 3, 2009, 10:18 AM

Wow Freddy. Whoever told you all this is clueless.

You DO NOT need a single switch. The plug and receptacles ARE your disconnects.

Since the plugs are 15 amp plugs, I apparently can't plug them into a single 20 amp circuit because a short could cause the 15 amp plug to set a fire before the 20 amp breaker blows.

And this statement is so wrong it is not even funny.

Whoever gave you all this misinformation should not be touching electrical work.

You need two 15 or 20A circuits. One each for the heat and pump. The light can plug into either.
You DO need GFI protection for these circuits. This can be a GFI receptacle under the tub or GFI breakers in the panel. You can also use blank face GFI's in the rooms, but these are kind of ugly.

Make sure you bond all the metallic parts with a #8cu solid wire. This is a bond and not a ground. It does not need to go back to any panel or electrical box.