Need Help with Hot Tub Wiring?
A great addition to making your home a relaxing retreat is having a personal hot tub/spa in your own backyard. Whether you use it for entertaining your kids or guests or for relaxing your aching muscles after a long week, there is definitely one to fit your needs. Since this is not an everyday purchase, it’s important to do your research and be well informed on the installation, care, and maintenance for such a large purchase. For instance, most homeowners do not realize that while pool and spa retailers will deliver either curbside or at your desired location, most will not install wiring for your new hot tub.
Professional Installation
A professional electrical installation is critical for a safety as water and electricity are not friends. Electricians have proper training, familiarity with code and an understanding of the spa motors, GFCI, and wiring for installing hot tubs and spas. Using a licensed electrician means your wiring installation will be safe and will be running your new hot tub most efficiently. It’s always a good idea to have your licensed electrician pull a permit. In most cases, your insurance company will not pay a claim if a permit was not pulled and installed by a licensed electrician.
Proper installation includes knowing what specific type of wiring to use, the right disconnects and outlets, correct sized breakers, and the proper conduits to ensure safety and to meet the national electrical codes. Here is a nice checklist on Hottubguide.com regarding site preparation, pathway preparation, and electrical requirements to keep in mind.
Electrical Requirements Checklist
□ If your spa runs on 240 volts, it must be permanently connected (hard wired) to the power supply.
□ If your spa runs on 120 volts, it may use a G.F.C.I. cord plugged into a dedicated grounded outlet.
□ The power supplied must be a dedicated circuit with no other appliances or lights sharing the power.
□ Wire size must be appropriate per NEC and/or local codes. It is determined by the length of the run from the breaker box to the spa and the maximum current draw.
□ Copper wire with THHN insulation is recommended. Do not use aluminum wire.
□ The electrical supply for the spa must include a suitably rated switch or circuit breaker with a disconnection readily accessible to the spa’s occupant, but installed at least five feet from the spa water. Check with local municipalities for additional code requirements.
□ The electrical circuit must include a suitable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) as required by NEC.
Download a PDF checklist:
//www.hottubguide.com/pdfs/hot-tub-guide-checklist.pdf
Following these tips will help ensure a successful spa owning experience. Instead of worrying about the correct parts to buy, spend more time in your enjoying your new hot tub/spa with the help of a licensed electrician from Right Electrical Services.
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