Calling All Electricians for Hot Tub Wiring HELP

[Zerk]

We run cables in conduit all the time, though we are bound by code. I can't remember if there is a problem or not. The concern may be heat. Come wires are rated for free air, and also ratings for conduit fill.

As for why spend the money on cable, when you could buy conductors, it is probably just easier, no junction boxes, one continuous piece from panel to pump. I ran some romex in 2" PVC underground about 15 feet. Most of the run was open air. Didn't make sense to put in a junction box on each end of conduit. If I ever add more wires, I may do it for the sake of pulling them.


How far is the hot tub, you need to increase if over 75 feet, or atleast that is the rule of thumb. But I think you have that. I think you could have run #8 aluminum. Been awhile since I had to pick out the wire.

 

[Zerk]

Nothing lights up a board better than an electrical question!

On another forum, they say it bring out the most heated discussion. Sorta like religion and politics.

 

[Zerk]

The other question is do you plan on being inspected? If not I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[buickanddeere]

On another forum, they say it bring out the most heated discussion. Sorta like religion and politics.

Problem is most people what the job done the quickest, fastest, easiest and cheapest way. If the light goes on when the switch is flipped they don't care if the job was a cobbled up mess made by a jackleg electrician. They see the light and think the job is 100% because it 'works".

 

[RNeumann]

From the wire manufacture's website-

28 NEC Code Change Summary

Seems we have a lot of code sections that cover indoor use- OP's question is in regards to the outdoor section

 

[GregbkH]

Code requires individual conductors be ran in conduit. I have never seen a provision that allows anything else in conduit. THHN is recommended as it provides the highest amperage for a given wire size. THHN is the wire insulation.

I am betting you will actually need 4 conductors. Maybe you know this....maybe not. So just a reminder.

In the spirit of doing it right you will need to size your conduit. Several places online have them. Just google Conduit Calculator

Good luck!

Actually, I believe that THWN would be the better choice. The "W" indicates for use in damp or wet locations.

Outdoors is classified as a damp or wet location. Even when using conduit. Choose the wires or cable accordingly.

 

[JRobyn]

I ran a bunch of 20A circuits underneath my back deck and out to the woodshed (underground) for lighting and utility outlets. Routed it all in cheap 1/2" PVC and knew that individual THHN was the correct thing, but I had a bunch of 12-2 w/gnd NM on-hand, so that's what I used. It's a bear to pull through 30ft of conduit, even with plentiful lube! I know that my circuits are derated some due to the extra insulation/jacket, but I'm ok with that. They will only ever see very intermittent, short duration heavy loads. Two years later, no problems. If they ever do get hot enough to degrade/burn/short, there's a lot of PVC that would have to be melted through for there to be a fire hazard. No risk of anyone ever inspecting it. I can look at myself in the mirror, and sleep well at night.

 

[RNeumann]

And the wire brand the OP was referencing carries both THHN and THWN ratings. Its hard to find one that doesn't..........

http://www.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/XTEInterfaceServlet?contentKey=prodcatsheetOEM5

 

[CobyRupert]

And the wire brand the OP was referencing carries both THHN and THWN ratings. Its hard to find one that doesn't..........

http://www.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/XTEInterfaceServlet?contentKey=prodcatsheetOEM5

Not sure about that. I thought OP was referring to this NM wire, which doesn't have THHN/THWN ratings. From what I've gathered manufacturers don't like to give up what the insulation on the individual conductors are in a NM cable are: http://www.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/XTEInterfaceServlet?contentKey=prodcatsheet6

Note it is listed as "indoor wiring" for "..work in normally dry locations."

 

[RNeumann]

SimPull is made by Southwire. I was referring to brand- not model. My assumption is if the OP can get Southwire SimPull he could purchase Southwire THHN from the same place. Typically wholesalers and retailers carry much of one manufactures line.