When you first start looking for the ideal hot tub, you will come across various models that link to the electricity in your home in different ways.
Those who have hot tubs that run on 220 volts will inevitably wonder, “What is a hot tub disconnect?” and subsequently, “Do you need one?”
In the case that a hot tub uses 220 volts of power, a disconnect is going to be necessary. Because of the high voltage, there is a larger possibility of physical harm. This is also a reason why you will need to position it at a significant distance away. But how far?
Tune in to this article until the end as we discuss the hot tub disconnect and how far disconnect from hot tub need to be. Make sure to read until the end.
What Is A Hot Tub Disconnect Box?
But first, let us understand what a hot tub disconnect box is.
A hot tub disconnect box is an absolute must if your hot tub operates on 220 volts, and installing one is not an option. The installation is not hard at all. It is a simple box that protects a breaker that may be used to turn off the electricity in an emergency or malfunction.
Before you can use the 220-volt models, which are the more common ones, you need to have some electrical work done on them. This is the main idea of the concept. Because of this, the power line from the hot tub will not travel directly to the main breaker panel for the hot tub. Instead, there will be a tiny breaker panel for the hot tub that is dedicated solely to the hot tub, which will be the disconnect box.
This little panel is typically positioned close to the hot tub but not too close so it can get splashed. After that, the panel will be connected to your home’s primary exterior hot tub breaker panel.
How Far Does The Disconnect Need To Be From The Hot Tub?
According to the NEC 680.41, titled “emergency switch for spas and hot tubs, the emergency disconnect for the hot tub must be at a distance of at least 5 feet and no further than 50 feet (line of sight for a motor). It is recommended that a red mushrooms cap e-stop button be used in most situations.
In addition, the motor needs to have a GFCI protection system for the hot tub’s power line. The disconnect for the hot tub should also turn off any motors connected to the hot tub.
According to this guideline 68-068(6), a GFCI must be at least 3 meters from a hot tub at all times (c).
Second, no regulation specifies the ideal location for the disconnect switch on residential hot tubs. However, many individuals will use the motor disconnect code, even though the instructions state that the code does not have to be visible if the disconnect can be locked in the open position. 28-604(1)(b)(ii)
What Is The Requirement For A Disconnect Box?
According to the National Electrical Code, section 680.12, a method of disconnection for maintenance is required to be installed within five feet horizontally of any hot tub. However, a circuit breaker power supply is not necessarily required to be the disconnect device in any given situation.
Although it can be a switch, in most installations, the disconnect is accomplished with a circuit breaker, which satisfies the requirement if it is within five feet. There is no requirement governing the placement of the breaker if the switch as long as it is positioned within five feet of the tub.
How Do You Wire Or Install The Disconnect Box?
It is important not to rush wiring your disconnect box or do it on your own without the supervision of a professional licensed electrician or background knowledge of how it should be installed in the first place.
That is why here are some steps that you can follow to guide you.
Make Preparations For The Setup
This is a simple yet essential step to take. Your electricians will need to decide where to put the disconnect, and the wires will flow from the panel, through the disconnect, and into the hot tub. Your electricians will need to decide where to put the disconnect.
Turn Off Power
First, go to the breaker box in your home and turn off the power.
Mount The Hot Tub Panel
After that, install the panel for the hot tub. Installing the panel on the wall of your home should be done by following the directions that come with your hot tub. It should be no closer than five feet to the location of the hot tub, but it should be in the line of sight of the hot tub. You can refer to the required distance indicated above.
Because there is a risk of someone contacting the control panel while they are in the hot tub, this spacing must be maintained.
Dig A Conduit Trench
Check the building code in your area to determine the appropriate depth at which to lay the conduit. You should also get in touch with the local utility companies before digging to ensure that you will not damage any buried utility cables or pipes. Some conduit holes need to be eighteen inches deep.
Carefully lift the sod, and then cut it into more manageable squares. Place it next to the hole in the ground. Make a trench for your conduit using a shovel, and then dig it out.
Run The Conduit
You should lay your heavy-duty rubbery wire in the trench that stretches from the panel to the hot tub. Leave sufficient slack in it, so it is not squeezed too tightly.
You will also need to run conduit through the side of your house from the hot tub disconnect to the main breaker panel. If your conduit extends under 6 feet from the disconnect to the panel, use liquid-tight flexible metal or a non-metallic conduit.
Avoid using lengths that are longer than six feet. Use flexible or stiff metal conduit for shorter runs underground and intermediate metal conduit for longer runs. PVC is a common and useful material for conduit, and you can use it.
To join the interior and outside conduits, place an LB fitting inside the hole in the wall where it is located. Before you bury anything, you must ensure that a trained specialist has inspected the wiring.
Pull The Wires
The use of copper wire insulated with THHN (thermoplastic nylon) is strongly encouraged. Ensure you avoid aluminum wire. Copper wire with a gauge of six AWG is typically used in hot tubs. You must use the fish tape to draw the wires from the connection to the hot tub panel.
You should allow at least six inches of additional wire to dangle from the panel of the hot tub. To get the wires inside the home and to the breaker panel, you will need to push them through the LB fitting. Make sure to leave an additional wire hanging of at least six inches.
Wire Or Install the Disconnect Box
Put connections on the wires that go to the spa. Connect the red, white, and black wires to the GFCI breaker terminals on the bottom of the device. After that, fasten the green grounding wire to the ground bar.
After that, connect the black and red wires to the feed lugs on top of the circuit breaker. You must connect the white ground wire to the line neutral bar. After that, fasten the green grounding wire to the ground bar.
When wiring the panel, you must follow the instructions that came with your spa and your spa panel.
Perform A Check Of The Wiring Installation
There are several distinct methods by which the wiring of the electrical service panel can be examined and evaluated. You can accomplish this by utilizing a set of electrical testers to check that the cables do not contain any ground faults and maintain the appropriate continuity level.
In addition, as part of the process, you must ensure that each GFCI component has been tested. Then the process is done; ensure you don’t leave a mess.
Connect The Wire To the Main Cable
Lastly, run a cable from the main breaker panel to the hot tub’s disconnect. Verify that the electricity is completely cut off at the main breaker.
Though the breaker may be turned off, the power company’s lines still carry a charge. Never enter the breaker box without taking all necessary safety precautions. Connect the red and black wires to a designated double-pole 240V GFCI circuit breaker. The new hot tub circuit breaker should be clearly labeled.
Then the final step before filling the hot tub with water and using it is to get it inspected by a professional.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Or Wire A Disconnect Box?
There are a few things to take into consideration to know the cost of the installation.
- To begin, the distance that exists between your panel and the hot tub is not typically proportional to the length of wire that is required to connect the two, and you should keep in mind that this cable is not inexpensive.
- Consider whether the cable can support the load you anticipate having soon.
- Determine the amperage and watts of your brand-new hot tub. Do you think there will be an expansion shortly to accommodate more people?
- Do you think there will be an expansion shortly to accommodate more people?
- Do you require that the wiring be buried beneath the ground? Do you need a permanent barrier?
Generally, these projects range from $1,500 to $3,000, and it all depends on what needs to be done. Your best chance is to search for local contractors and make an effort to obtain at least three to four estimates before selecting the perfect one.
In addition, you will be required to submit an application for a permit and perform the ESA electrical inspection. There is a good chance you will require a disconnect and a GFCI hot tub breaker.
What Does The 6 Disconnect Rule Mean?
This refers to the idea that the regulation that a service might be acquired with six swipes of the hand. However, this will no longer be valid after the year 2020. When you adopt the 2020 National Electrical Code, the days of having a panel board that you could operate with six swipes of your palm are over. However, it is shown that there are ways to have more than one disconnect for a service.
In the past, the “6 disconnects” regulation indicated that there should be six points of disconnection for each service rather than six points for each building. It is possible to have 12 service connection problems in the building if it has two different services or six disconnects per service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Away Does A Hot Tub Disconnect Need To Be CEC?
A certified manual disconnect device is required to be installed per the NEC. It must be within five feet of the hot tub and in a direct line of sight.
Can I Plug My Hot Tub Into A Regular Outlet?
The maximum heating power a hot tub can use while operating on a standard 15-amp outlet is 1000 watts, and the maximum pump power is one hp.
Does Hot Tub Wiring Need To Be In Conduit?
Yes, it must be positioned inside the pipe, especially if you hope to install the conduit quickly. If you plan, you won’t have to destroy as much of your yard or garden.
Conclusion
Installing a disconnect box and the needed distance depends on many factors. The first concern is how big the hot tub is. A greater distance between the hot tub and the disconnect is required for larger hot tubs. Second, you have to consider whether your hot tub has an automated cover. Lastly, think about where you’ll put your electrical panel. Regardless, the distance presented above is the general rule of thumb, so make sure that you follow it carefully.
