wiring a hot tub

[Formula1974]

I saw on another post some of you have electical skills. We just got a used hot tub and I had a few questions. It is a 50 amp and needs either 220 or 110. If its 220 both heat and blower will work at the same time, 110 only one at a time. I am installing it in my deck and its about 15 feet from the house. What size wire should i use? 10-2? Does the wire have to be buried or can it be tacked to the bottom of the deck? Should I use the same size wire from the disconnect to the tub that I use from the panel box to the disconnect? What size breaker should I use in the panel box in the house. Sorry for all the questions. I have done some light electrical before and I have a really good manual but didnt want to go out to the workshop to get it tonight. Thanks

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: wiring a hot tub

Go for the 220 wiring job IMO. If you use romex (type NM-B, or all in one jacket) I don't think you can put it inside conduit. I'd just use 1" PVC conduit and pull individual conductors. I believe you can strap the PVC to your deck joists. You'll need three #6 THHN copper wires, and a number 8 copper for the ground. Use the same size wire from the disconnect to the tub. 1" liquatite works real well from the disconnect to the tub. Use a 50 amp 2 pole breaker in your panel, and make sure to use a disconnect with a built in 50 amp GFI breaker. Most of the home centers sell a 50 amp GFI hot tub disconnect ready to go. Also, be sure to check what brand and type of panel is in your house to get the correct 50 amp breaker for it.<br /><br />Make sure you check on your local codes. They may require you to bond to anything metal within a certain distance. I've heard of guys having to bond to the aluminum siding on the house. Sounds like a pain to me.<br /><br />Anywho, I am not an electrician, so be sure to call your inspector and ask some questions. I'm basing my suggestions on the codes here and what I see the electricians using for similar jobs. Not sure if you would need a permit for this job if you're doing it yourself.<br /><br />If you can, try to get a friend to come over who has some experience or expertise on this. Amazing how far a few beers go sometimes.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: wiring a hot tub

Mine is installed with the "required" GFI breaker. The breaker must be at least 15 feet away so the excess moisture will not effect it.<br /><br />I have a breaker at the elctrical box in the house and the GFI breaker closer to the tub.<br /><br />Sanderwalker is right on the money with the wires and if you run it under the deck make sure you have a drip loop in the low spot of the wire.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Formula1974]

Re: wiring a hot tub

The tub has no wiring diagram on it. It has lugs for each wire to hook to. There is a red a white and 2 blacks. also a place for a ground wire. Any ideas where to hook them to? I have a nephew who is an electrician but hes usually busy. Thanks

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: wiring a hot tub

No clue why there are three hots there, Formula. Can you check with the manufacturer for a wiring diagram?

 

[Formula1974]

Re: wiring a hot tub

I went to there site and emailed. I will see what comes from that.

 

[Formula1974]

Re: wiring a hot tub

Well I was looking at it and traced the wires and 2 of them go thru a built in GFI on the front panel one is white one is black. I hooked a cut extension cord to it( I was checking that everything is working right im not leaving it wired like this and ran white to white and black to black and plugged it in. The light works, The air blower works and the jet pump hummed. (the unit has been sitting for about 3 years.) I messed with the pump and found it was seized. I played with it and broke it loose and it worked great for about 20 seconds then it went BANG and started smoking and blew the breaker. Im assuming that the white and black are correct and the red wire looks like it goes to the heater assembly. then ground and I should be good. Got the tub for free and found a guy that has some parts for sale online (pump, blower, spa back with new heater assembly) for $100 so I am gonna try to get that and I think I will be set.