Wire a Tanning Bed Circuit
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What is the correct way to wire an Electric Circuit for a Tanning Bed? Here is an Example of Installing an Electrical Circuit for a Tanning Bed. © By: Dave Rongey |
Wiring for a Tanning Bed
Electrical Question: What is the correct way to wire a tanning bed?
I live in an old house built around 1910 and I was running a new outlet to power a tanning bed and ran into some problems.
- The tanning bed was using a different 220 volt outlet in the basement that I had an electrician install quite some time ago in order to power an air conditioner originally.
- When we disconnected the original outlet in order to run the new outlet I was surprised to discover that the double pole breaker (20Amp) I thought it was attached to it was really only connected to one half of the double pole unit and the other “Hot” was connected to a different 20Amp breaker on the other side of the breaker box.
- I disconnected this and installed a double pole 30Amp breaker with a hot connected to each side of the double pole breaker.
- We then moved the tanning bed to the new room and the outlet that we had wired in there from the double pole breaker.
- When we originally did this we had the wrong switch (single pole switch instead of a double pole switch) on the outlet and it blew out. We removed the switch and just have the outlet connected directly with no switch.
- The tanning bed now is not functioning- the fans blow, but the unit does not come on. We are trying to ascertain if the correct voltage or amps are not reaching the bed or if something in the bed “blew” when the switch was blown.
- With it being an old house I wasn’t sure if the original using two separate breakers maybe was the correct way to wire it or if the double pole breaker was the right way to do it. Is there an easy was to ascertain if it is my wiring or if it is the bed that is the problem?
This electrical wiring question came from Jon, in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jon.
Based on the above electrical question, lets review the most common mistakes made when installing a tanning bed circuit.
Original Electrical Circuit Wiring Was Incorrect
- Wiring of the Tanning Bed Circuit
- A dedicated 220 volt circuit is required for this tanning bed.
- A 220 volt circuit should be provided from one 2pole 220 volt circuit breaker.
- The circuit breaker size should never be increased.
- Approved Switch or Means of Disconnect
- A disconnect switch or wall receptacle outlet is typically required.
- If a switch is installed it must be rated for the circuit specifications.
- Never Connect a Tanning Bed to Outdated Electrical Wiring
- Tanning beds require a high level electrical power load.
- Adding such a load onto old outdated electrical wiring can cause electrical faults and fire danger.
- Always hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor who has up to date credentials that you can verify.
- Contact the local building authority in your area about the codes that apply to your project.
Electrical Circuit for a Tanning Bed
Application: Electric Circuit for a Tanning Bed.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Work in electrical panels is not recommended for homeowners, non-experienced individuals or non-electricians.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill, auger bits and extension cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install 120/240 volt electrical circuit wiring.
Precaution: Identify the main circuit of the panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring or installing the 120/240 volt wiring and circuit breaker.
Notice: Installing an additional 120/240 volt circuit should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Example of Installing an Electrical Circuit for a Tanning Bed
- Determining the Tanning Bed Circuit Size The size of the electrical circuit for the Tanning Bed will depend on the exact Tanning Bed that you are installing. The Tanning Bed installation manual will provide the required circuit information. The wire gauge is selected according to the Tanning Bed specifications.The wire type or electrical cable type is determined by the type of structure and if the wiring will require protection or require conduit.
- Selecting the Electrical Cable Factors for determining the Tanning Bed cable type include where the cable will be routed or installed, such as through a basement, crawl space or attic, etc.
- The Electrical Junction Box The same is true for the junction box that will be selected for the Tanning Bed circuit, where the wiring will be installed into. For example will the junction box be surface mounted or flush mounted. The size of the junction box is determined by the size of the Tanning Bed circuit cable.
- Connecting the Wiring of the Tanning Bed Tanning Beds typically come with wires leading into the Tanning Bed which will connect to the home electrical circuit inside a junction box that is provided on the unit. A cover plate will be provided and should be installed onto the junction box.
- Connecting the Circuit Wiring The ground wires are spliced together and bonded to the junction box. The insulated wiring of the electrical circuit cable and the wiring of the Tanning Bed are spliced together inside the junction box using the appropriately sized wire connectors.
- Electrical Codes that apply when installing a Tanning Bed
- Code compliance for the wire for a Tanning Bed is very important.
- Verify the circuit requirements as specified in the documentation of the Tanning Bed documentation.
- The electrical components of the Tanning Bed circuit must be fully compatible and have the correct rated capacity.
- Protection for the electrical circuit wiring should be provided for this Tanning Bed in accordance with all applicable electrical codes.
- Contact the local building authority in your area about the codes that apply to your project.
More about Electrical Circuit Wiring for a Tanning Bed
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