complete outdoor hot tub wiring with just flexible conduit?
#1
06-20-15, 02:44 PM
complete outdoor hot tub wiring with just flexible conduit?
Hello,
I'm wondering if you can do a complete outdoor hot tub wiring with metallic flexible conduit. I been looking around the internet and I haven't been able to find an exact answer if I can or not. I even have the NEC 2014 handbook, and having nearly no knowledge at all I can't really make sense of it. so I'm wondering if anybody here can help?
I'm wondering if you can do a complete outdoor hot tub wiring with metallic flexible conduit. I been looking around the internet and I haven't been able to find an exact answer if I can or not. I even have the NEC 2014 handbook, and having nearly no knowledge at all I can't really make sense of it. so I'm wondering if anybody here can help?
#2
06-20-15, 03:33 PM
Welcome to the forums! First, why would you want to? It is expensive. You can do it without reservation if you want. You must have a disconnect within sight of the hot tub, and the breaker in the panel must be GFCI of sufficient amperage to handle the tub and its accessories. So any flex you run will be broken by the disconnect. What is your situation, and why is flex a good option for you?
#3
06-20-15, 03:34 PM
Group Moderator
I'm out on the road working so I can't check my book but i believe the code says 6' of flex max.
#4
06-20-15, 03:38 PM
Pete, would that restriction apply for inside installation? I know about the disconnect-to- application is around 6', but not sure on running it inside as conduit(not that i have ever seen it done)
#5
06-20-15, 06:23 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Pulling into flex Greenfield is a pain, especially with any bends. Also it will rust in a few years.
#7
06-20-15, 08:06 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Most hot tubs require a 40 or 50 amp circuit with 3 or 4 wires. It will not fit in 1/2" Greenfield.
#9
06-20-15, 10:46 PM
Group Moderator
Technically that isn't greenfield.... since it's watertight it's seal-tite.
By code you can only put three #8's in a 1/2" conduit. You'd need to use at least 3/4".
I located the following information....
The limitation on the length of flexible conduit was removed from the Code several revisions ago. Before that, flex could only be a maximum 6 ft in length—in all cases.
You may use flexible metal conduit in any length as long as you follow the Code rules for support (Sec. 350-18) and grounding (Sec. 250-18)
Basically over 6' and a separate ground must be used.
I think I'd check with the AHJ (inspector) before running all flex.
By code you can only put three #8's in a 1/2" conduit. You'd need to use at least 3/4".
I located the following information....
The limitation on the length of flexible conduit was removed from the Code several revisions ago. Before that, flex could only be a maximum 6 ft in length—in all cases.
You may use flexible metal conduit in any length as long as you follow the Code rules for support (Sec. 350-18) and grounding (Sec. 250-18)
Basically over 6' and a separate ground must be used.
I think I'd check with the AHJ (inspector) before running all flex.
#14
06-21-15, 03:44 AM
Oh, gosh, I was thinking of watertite flex in the beginning, not metallic flex, and definitely not 1/2". My advice, although, workable, would be a total pita and I would never recommend it. PVC is the only way to go. Save the flex for another job.
#15
06-21-15, 06:33 AM
Group Moderator
An equipment grounding conductor could be run on the outside of the conduit, however it would be required to be protected somehow by physical means, or following the building surface. This could be avoided by using #6 ground but, IMO inside the conduit would be a more professional installation.
