3-wire hot tub


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Old 10-28-08, 08:50 AM
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3-wire hot tub

having a hot tub installed...only two lines (black & red) have been strung to back of garage...waiting for sub-panel and tub. my tub people tell me that I need a three-wire feeder (hot-hot-neutral) and my electrical man says that the 'tub' will be grounded by wire to the pipe that ran the wire...what little i do know (nothing) tells me that a 4' rebarb could be drove into the ground next to the tub for my ground...and exactly why is a 'neutral' used for? Distance from main breaker to sub-panel is 75'
Distance from sub-panel to 'tub' will be right under 10'
 
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Old 10-28-08, 09:06 AM
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A neutral carries the unbalanced current from tub control circuits and lighting that are 120 volts.

You will NOT drive a rebar or grounding rod at the tub.

You will also need a 120 volt GFI protected receptacle with a weatherproof in use cover. IIRC no closer that 10 foot.

There may be bonding issues depending on your specific circumstances.
 
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Old 10-28-08, 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by chitown
my electrical man says that the 'tub' will be grounded by wire to the pipe that ran the wire
Do the wires run in metal conduit? If so, the electrical man may be intended to use the metal conduit as a ground conductor which is not compliant with the National Electric Code for spas. Article 680.25 requires an insulated ground conductor for the spa subpanel feeder.

Your local code may have an exception which allows the proposed installation.
 
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Old 10-28-08, 09:59 AM
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Good catch Ben. I forgot to say anything about the insulated ground.
 
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Old 10-28-08, 02:33 PM
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thank u both for the VERY informative info...
 
 

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