We are installing a hot tub- we have a 60 amp breaker and 6 AWG wire coiled in the crawl space that was put in several years ago when we built the house (anticipating putting in the tub- took us awhile). The tub requires a 60 amp breaker and draws 45 amps. The tub will need to hardwired to a GFCI near the tub outside the house. Our electrician told me we'd need 4 AWG wire to go to a 60 amp breaker, although I may have thought the tub drew more current when I last talked to him. I can downgrade the breaker to a 50 amp and the tub can be configured to run that way (can't run pumps with heater at same time). Would 6 AWG wire be code (or better) for a 60 amp breaker running a hot tub with a 45 amp draw? Or do I need to configure the tub to run on the 50 amp breaker (with 37 amp draw). I looked up the tables but still don't quite get it- which is why I have hired an electrician.
Simple Electrical Question (hopefully)
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beenthere
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Code may have changed since you wired the house 6 yrs ago. Also may need a fourth wire, as some of that has changed in the code too. The code people have to keep their job, and the only way is to keep adding more code. Otherwise, looks like they have nothing to do for their pay. That's my opinion..
RobertN
Super Member
What is the length of the wire run? That will affect wire sizing.
My "Wiring Simplified" book, which is suppossed to reflect code, says you can run 95' on #6 wire at 60 amps, 115' @ 50 amps, and 140' @ 40 amps.
My "Wiring Simplified" book, which is suppossed to reflect code, says you can run 95' on #6 wire at 60 amps, 115' @ 50 amps, and 140' @ 40 amps.
BobRip
Elite Member
Code may have changed since you wired the house 6 yrs ago. Also may need a fourth wire, as some of that has changed in the code too. The code people have to keep their job, and the only way is to keep adding more code. Otherwise, looks like they have nothing to do for their pay. That's my opinion..
I know you were partially kidding, but usually somebody dies or has a near death experience to get this kind of change. We learn stuff everyday. Also code used to let us get by with stuff that was just stupid, and we finally came to our senses. Still the code is a mess.
The other driver may be new technology which may really be needed or it just helps a manufacturer make more money.
hr3
Veteran Member
Try this link.. It might help you.. I'll check the current code book today to see what #6 in a hot tub situation can handle,,
Wiring a Hot Tub - Electrical Installation and Wiring Diagrams
Wiring a Hot Tub - Electrical Installation and Wiring Diagrams
mbohuntr
Platinum Member
Just my 2 cents... unless you can efficiently heat the water without a pump running, I'd go for the higher capacity equipment. You also can't always control who will be using the tub...
Inspector507
Super Member
The answer is not really simple. Well, it could be but there are a lot of things to look at here. You did not mention if the cable has Aluminum or Copper conductors. Could make a difference here. You didn't say how many "several years ago" was. The conductors could be 60°, 75° or 90° rated. Are they type UF, THWN, THHN, THWN-2, XHHW, XHHW-2? It makes a difference.
Let's say it's copper type THWN-2 and they were 90° rated, such as in type NM-B cable.
First, NEC Article 110-14 says if the circuit is under 100A then the conductors need to be used at their 60° rating, unless all terminations in the circuit carry a higher rating. #6 copper at 60° is able to be used at no more than 55A. However, there is a way out here. According to NEC 240.6, 55A is not a standard fuse/breaker size so you are allowed to round up the the next standard size which is 60A. So if you had a 6-3 type NM-B cable run, you are good to go with a 60A breaker on a 45A load.
Now, let's say it is Aluminum conductors.
#6 at 60° is only good for 40A according to NEC 310.16 and 110.14
So I need more info to accurately answer your question. Post what cable type was run and I'll try to help more.
Thanks for all the info. I'm not sure of the exact cable but it's copper 3 wire with a smaller gauge ground. The house was built 6 years ago, the NEC allowing the larger breaker may be the answer and why the initial electrician did it that way. The hot tub place stated they had a number of tubs on 6 gauge- I'll talk to the electrician again next week as ultimately, I'll end up doing what he feels is best.
Inspector507
Super Member
You just answered a bunch of questions. 6 years ago and copper must have been type NM-B cable. You are good to go according to the NEC on a 60A breaker.
