Calling All Electricians for Hot Tub Wiring HELP

[kcflhrc]

After much debate and reading more articles about this than I care to this is my plan and should meet any code in the US


1. Install 50 amp breaker in panel
2. Run inside 6/3 wire from panel, drill through concrete wall, and run 6/3 through wall into the back of the disconnect.
3. Run 1" rigid PVC from the disconnect to the back of the hot tub, then transition to Seal Tight to enter the tub.
4. Pull 1 red, 1 black, 1 white #6 and 1 green #8 or #10 through the conduit to the Spa panel

 

[teejk]

After much debate and reading more articles about this than I care to this is my plan and should meet any code in the US


1. Install 50 amp breaker in panel
2. Run inside 6/3 wire from panel, drill through concrete wall, and run 6/3 through wall into the back of the disconnect.
3. Run 1" rigid PVC from the disconnect to the back of the hot tub, then transition to Seal Tight to enter the tub.
4. Pull 1 red, 1 black, 1 white #6 and 1 green #8 or #10 through the conduit to the Spa panel

Not a sparky so bear with me...240v I guess GFCI is not an issue (or is built into the spa panel)?

 

[kcflhrc]

Not a sparky so bear with me...240v I guess GFCI is not an issue (or is built into the spa panel)?

GFCI outside disconnect per Code, and yes , 240v

 

[RNeumann]

That's it! They make wire nuts for 2 #6 wires. But if room is limited or you want a little better connection you could also use a screw or crimp style for the white wire.

GFCI could be at the panel or disconnect. Depending on brand and what you already have will determine cheapest solution. Also verify the Hot Tub's requirements regarding GFCI- some want it and some provide it.

Code Geeks- 2014 NEC 680.21A1 for specifics on NM wire for pools/hot tubs

 

[dadster4]

What is the tub sitting on? Deck or ground?
I ran 6/3 UF Romex from 50 amp breaker, through exterior wall underground, up through bottom of tub to tub's GFCI. I did run it through short lengths of 1-1/2" pvc at wall and up through tub base. Romex was cheaper than pipe and individual conductors, and I liked the idea of no splices- no exterior disconnect necessary here (will never be inspected anyway)

 

[kcflhrc]

Mine wont be inspected either but I want it per code and safe. Outside GFCI is per code. Could I do it cheaper, probably. But this way its by the book. Tub is sitting on walkout concrete patio

 

[Stimw]

Don't forget that the disconnect needs to be at least 5' from the water! (so it can't be touched from pool)

 

[PILOON]

Perhaps I missed it but most important would be a proper sized GFI breaker.

 

[RNeumann]

Mine wont be inspected either but I want it per code and safe. Outside GFCI is per code. Could I do it cheaper, probably. But this way its by the book. Tub is sitting on walkout concrete patio

14 NEC 680.44 provides a GFCI exception for spas that contain their own GFCI. It depends on how the unit was designed and approved- but double GFCIs can cause issues and some motors don't play nice with GFCIs.

 

[Ricks284]

After much debate and reading more articles about this than I care to this is my plan and should meet any code in the US


1. Install 50 amp breaker in panel
2. Run inside 6/3 wire from panel, drill through concrete wall, and run 6/3 through wall into the back of the disconnect.
3. Run 1" rigid PVC from the disconnect to the back of the hot tub, then transition to Seal Tight to enter the tub.
4. Pull 1 red, 1 black, 1 white #6 and 1 green #8 or #10 through the conduit to the Spa panel

That's exactly how I wired mine.
Here's a good GFCI disconnect that's available at most big box stores:

Eaton 50A Spa Panel

It's very good at avoiding nuisance trips, and it's the smallest outdoor panel I found that will fit all the wires easily. You'll need to ground the panel box in some way - a wirenut and pigtail works fine, or you can buy a ground bar for about $3:

Ground Bar Kit