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Wiring a Hot Tub 50 AMP GFCI Circuit
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How to Wire a Hot Tub Circuit: 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. By: Dave Rongey |
Wiring a Hot Tub
Electrical Question: I connected my hot tub with 240 volt 50 amp GFCI, at the spa terminals I checked between the red and black wires and have 240 volts but I cannot get 240 volts at the pumps which will not turn on.
There are 4 wires on the pump, green grounded, white, red and black. I’m not sure how to measure 240 volts at the pump but I’ve tried several things but all show a 120 volt reading. The transformer has 240 volts and drops to 12 volts.
This electrical wiring question came from: Kevin, a Homeowner in Minnesota.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Kevin.
How to Wire a Hot Tub Circuit
Application: Wiring a Hot Tub.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install the hot tub wiring.
Notice: Installing hot tub circuit wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.
Wiring a 240 Volt GFCI Circuit for a Hot Tub
A Hot Tub or Spa pump will not function unless a few conditions allow for the operation to take place, such as water. The hot tub or spa may have built in safety features that will not allow functions to work unless a series of test have been performed by the internal control unit.
- I would recommend that you first make sure that the 50 amp GFCI circuit has been installed correctly according to the hot tub manufacturers installation manual, and under the permission of the local building department and then inspected.
- After passing the inspection then follow the installation manual and the start up sequence, step by step.
- With most new hot tubs, there should be no reason to do anything more once the electrical circuit has been installed according to the installation manual, except to follow the instructions for the start up procedure.
More about Wiring a Hot Tub
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.
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.
Electrical Codes for Hot Tub Circuits
Electrical Code Directory covering GFCI Circuits.
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Hi Shawn,
Make sure the GFCI circuit breaker is wired correctly and the ground wires are in place. If the GFCI continues to trip then testing of specific electrical components will be necessary to find the source of the ground fault. For example: The problem could be with the heating element, the motor, or damaged wiring, etc. For best results this is best performed by a qualified hot tub service technician.
I hope this helps,
Dave
I just installed a used 2005 Dimension One Venture hot tub to specifications by a licensed electrician. With everything wired correctly, the 50a breaker trips immediately. With the ground wire (for testing only) disconnected, everything works as it should and it runs, yet the water is now unsafe. There is no reset button on the unit, and I cannot find a tripped switch or anything. I have tried nearly everything to find the cause but cannot.
Hi Kris,
If the hot tub installation manual specifies a 40 amp GFCI circuit breaker, then a dedicated circuit with a 40 amp GFCI breaker should be installed, not a 50 amp.
I hope this helps you,
Dave
Our hot tub installation book states we need a forty amp breaker, but we can only find a 50 amp. Can we use a 50 amp breaker when our hot tub installation book states we should use a 40amp? We are having a hard time finding a 50 amp.
Hi Harold,
If the hot tub requires a 3-wire circuit with a separate neutral wire then a GFCI circuit breaker with the neutral wire provision will be required.
I hope this helps,
Dave
I hooked up a hot tub for a friend with 240 volts and all is fine, but when I land the neutral the breaker trips. Is there a special GFCI for hot tubs that require a neutral?
Hi Wuz,
You a asking about a Pool Spa and I would have to know more about the specific spa that will be installed. I am assuming you are not referring to a hot tub?
Dave
Can you give me an estimate price on a 220 circuit dedicated for a pool spa? The run is about 60 feet from the main to the spa. Just a ball park figure would be fine. Also, is it necessary for a 220 circuit or can I use a 110 with a 20 amp breaker. the spa people said that can be done also.
Thanks for your time.
How much should I expect to spend to run a 220V/50A, GFCI, circuit to my hot tub? I have a 200A service panel with plenty of room and will need to run it about 15-20 ft.
Thanks.