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…

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
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.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! 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 This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. 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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