Replace a Hot Tub GFCI Circuit Breaker

Why is my Hot Tub Making Electrical Noise in the Circuit Breaker? Conditions That May Cause Breakers To Make Noise and Potential Electrical Problems.

Hot Tub GFI Breaker
Electrical Question: Why is my Hot Tub making electrical noise in the Circuit Breaker?

• I have a Hot Tub 220 breaker that is a Siemens QF250.
• I filled the tub with fresh water and hit the breaker.
• You can hear electrical noise in breaker like it is shorting, then breaker kicks off.
• Even if there was a short in the spa, the breaker should just kickoff without the noise.
• It sounds like two wires arcing, there is no smell and the breaker is not melted.
• Can the breaker be bad after 2 years, or can a breaker go bad after a lightning strike and power surge?

Background: Jim , a Homeowner from Ramsey, New Jersey.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Wiring question Jim.

Replacing a GFCI Circuit Breaker

Application: Installing a Hot Tub GFCI Circuit Breaker.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the access to the hot tub panel.
Precaution: Identify the hot tub circuit at the main panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working in the hot tub panel, removing and installing the circuit breaker and making the wiring connections.
Notice: Installing a hot tub circuit breaker and the circuit wiring connections  should be done according to local and national electrical codes.

Conditions That May Cause GFCI Breakers To Be Damaged

• If the hot tub GFCI circuit breaker was splashed with water and is producing all these symptoms then the GFCI circuit breaker should be replaced.
• Under normal conditions the hot tub GFCI circuit breakers should should be checked using the TEST Button, and then reset normally.
• Typically a hot tub GFI Breaker will last for several years under ideal conditions.
• If the home electrical system has experienced a severe lightning strike or power surge then the breaker may become faulty and require replacing.
• I would recommend that the circuit breaker be installed in a rain tight protective enclosure.
• Make sure to Test your GFCI Circuit Breakers regularly.

More about Hot Tub Wiring and GFCI Circuit Breakers

• House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers

• Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
• A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Hot tub wiring

• Hot Tub Wiring Diagram Information
• 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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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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