Hi guys, I'm gonna jump on a Costco promo hot tub. It's a plug and play or 240 volt. The problem is is that the pad I'm laying will be clear on the other side if the house from my panel (which I believe needs to be upgraded anyway). To avoid a more complicated, expensive, and extensive project in trenching around my yard, I'd like to run the conduct across my roof. Would I need any special wiring for this? Can I use the same conduit for the 240 volt as the regular plug I'll be running as well? In fresn, ca do permits need to be pulled for this job? I'll be hiring an electrician for this but I'd like to do as much as I can myself to avoid undue costs. How much can a regular guy feasibly do to prep the job? I imagine I can at the very least run the conduit and set up the spa panel. Any help is appreciated

 

Most experienced electricians won't trust amature help because the permits are in their name and their license is on the line. They have probably at least once in their career had to redo someone's attempt at helping and replace incorrect materials that were bought.

 

Understood, thanks. How much would a job like this estimate for? Fresno ca is one of the cheapest ca cities. About 100 ft of conduit I'd guess

 

Permit and inspection.... absolutely !

It would not be possible to quote running conduit over a roof without seeing it. You need to call and get several quotes.

You'd most likely have a spa sub panel installed near the spa for it's power and a service receptacle.

Depending on where the spa is set.... you may be required to bury a equipotenial bond loop around hot tub. Your electrician should be aware of it.

 

I'm about to pour my slab, is that bond loop something that would need to be implemented in the pad?

 

I would have said yes but I just found this piece on the code....
jadecc/courses/UNIVERSAL/NEC05.php?imDif=787.1

So apparently the answer is no.
However remember..... the inspector is always right.
Each inspector has their own interpretation of the code and that's that. Based on that...I always check with the inspector first.

 

Thanks. That was the first I heard of that for a hot tub.

 

A circuit run across the roof should be derated to compensate the extra heat. This means you'll need to run larger wires than you otherwise would. The electrician should figure this in too.