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Electrical Wire and Cable


Electrical Wiring for a Steam Shower


These units require a dedicated GFCI Protected circuit, sized correctly, installed and connected according to code and inspected otherwise there could be damage to the…



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Steam Shower Electrical Wiring Requirements
Background: Natalie , a Homeowner from LaFayette
[ad#block]Question: My Areil 609A Steam shower pump is LX Wirlpool pump model: TDA 120/220V 4.6A
Has three wires (Green, white, black) with attached circular metal ends. It has a small green wire attached to the body of the pump with a tree-shaped symbol tag (ground?)

The control panel spec plate: Ariel Model WS 609A  – 220V – 5250W (means 24A?)
Same 3 wire combination (see pic)

Suggestions on hardwire set up?
Tech Support can only tell me that I need two individual 220V GFCI breakers (one for each). But tech support also said I need 14 gauge and 11 gauge wire.

Can 14-3 gauge or 10-3 gauge be used?
“Where is the red wire?” is what my friend with some electrical experience continues to ponder.
Can this hot tub be hardwired?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Natalie .

Natalie, you asked for my input and here it is: For your safety and the safety of others, please hire a licensed electrical contractor. I say this because of all the questions you are asking which tell me that you are definitely not qualified to perform this circuit installation, especially with a steam shower unit.
These units require a dedicated GFCI Protected circuit, sized correctly, installed and connected according to electrical codes and inspected, otherwise there could be damage to the steam shower electrical components and anyone who may use this shower unit.
I have searched the internet for information on your specific unit and I see this very often where the company does not provide a good installation manual with a complete electrical specifications. The so-called Tech Support is no more than a phone jockey who is speaking from second hand information and they don’t have a clue what to tell you. There are a lot of these types of units coming from other countries that resemble these problems. The website I found that appeared to be a manufacturer or representative did not even have a listing for your model number. Another website displayed the necessary electrical parts which were incorrectly identified and the circuit requirements did not match either.
Bottom line: Buyer Beware! – The “Deal” you may have gotten may in fact prove otherwise, I hope not for your sake.

Get a qualified electrician to do this for you so it is safe!

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:


For more information about Hot Tub Wiring
Hot Tub Wiring
Hot Tub Wiring
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Electrical Codes and Details for Spa and Hot Tub Wiring. Essentials for your installation, including the required gfci ground fault protection and circuit wire size.


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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
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The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
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It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

3 Responses to “Electrical Wiring for a Steam Shower”
  1. Paul Sam says:

    Can I use 220V/60Hz in a country that has 220Vac/50Hz? What is the major difference between 60Hz and 50Hz?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Paul,
    The difference between 50HZ and 60HZ is 10 cycles per second of the generated frequency of the power supplied on the electrical grid. This difference is typically not a problem with resistive loads such as light fixtures using an incandescent light bulb or equipment with a heating element controlled by a thermal switch. However, electronic devices with sensitive power supplies and equipment with inductive loads such as motors should not be used if the equipment label does not state that it is compatible with the frequency of the country that you reside in, otherwise performance issues and overheating can be a problem, as well as voiding the manufacturers warranty.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  3. Tom says:

    I have a Ariel SS-608A steam shower. The light around the rain shower at the top middle of the shower unit is out. I went on the top and there is a small white box. I unscrewed it and it has a small hole with a few wires that seems to be the ballast for the light. I think it had LED lights but it could be fluorescent. There is no way to change the bulbs that I can tell from the inside or from the top.
    Does anyone have information about this light fixture and how the lamps can be replaced?