Why Does My Hot Tub Stop Working
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My Hot Tub is Tripping Off, is the Wire Size Right? © By: Dave Rongey |
Hot Tub Tripping the Breaker
Electrical Question: My Hot Tub is Tripping Off, is the Wire Size Right?
My hot tub breaker keeps opening. After a year of operation (with some breaker trips) the hot tub tech now says, I’m not getting enough power to the hot tub.
The hot tub is 125′ from the panel and my exterior 2 pole 50amp circuit breaker is wired with #10 AWG direct burial wire.
Do I need to upsize the wire if the distance is too great?
This electrical wiring question came from Mark, a Handyman in Washington.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mark.
Electrical Wiring to a Hot Tub
Application: Electrical Wiring Problem with a Hot Tub.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Hot Tub, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Hot Tub should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific location. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Electrical Wiring for a Hot Tub
This electrical wiring question is about an Electrical Problem with a Hot Tub in the Back Yard of a New Home.
Hot Tub Wire Size
Reviewing the Electrical Question:
- My hot tub breaker keeps tripping off. After a year of operation (with some breaker trips) the hot tub technician now says I’m not getting enough power to the hot tub.
- Mark, from the information you have provided, The wire size to the hot tub is undersized because #10 wire is rated for 30 amps. Therefore this condition is a potential hazard and is not NEC code compliant. You should seriously consider turning the circuit to the hot tub off and not used it until the required wire size has been installed.
Consult the installation manual for your specific hot tub which will describe the minimum wire size.
For example many hot tubs require #6 AWG copper wire for a 50 amp circuit specification, however the actual wire size depends on the electrical equipment that is installed as part of your specific hot tub.
If the total distance from the main electrical panel to the hot tub is greater than 200 feet then the wire size should be increased.
More about Wiring a Hot Tub
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Home Electrical Codes for Main Service Panels
Electrical Wiring Codes
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
Home Electrical 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.
Wiring a Hot Tub, Spa, and Jacuzzi
Hot Tub Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes and details for Spa and Hot Tub electrical wiring. Essentials for your hot tub installation, including the required GFCI ground fault protection and circuit wire size.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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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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