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.

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

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« How to Test Electrical Wiring for a Light Fixture

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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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