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Any issues using a dedicated 15 amp circuit for a product that recommends 20 amp

Any issues using a dedicated 15 amp circuit for a product that recommends 20 amp


  #1  
Old 06-03-18, 04:08 PM
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Any issues using a dedicated 15 amp circuit for a product that recommends 20 amp

I had a dedicated line run to the breaker to run a heat pump, that is no longer in use that now that installed Central A/C. it's a dedicated 15 amp breaker, and I'm pretty sure it's on the smaller 14 AWG wire.

I was going to use this line to convert a soaker bathtub to a new whirlpool tub that recommends "20 amp GFCI" in the instruction manual.

Maybe not enough info to know for sure, but anyone see any critical issues with using a 15 amp circuit with a whirlpool tub that recommends 20 amps?

Thanks
 
  #2  
Old 06-03-18, 04:24 PM
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What is the nameplate amps of the tub? Typically when a manufacture recommends/requires a 20 amp circuit it is because it draws more then 12 amps, which is the max allowed continuous load on a 15 amp circuit.
 
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Old 06-03-18, 04:26 PM
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You may get tired of having to get out of the tub to reset the breaker.
 
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Old 06-03-18, 04:27 PM
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I doubt the tub is going to run for more than 3 hours continous .
 
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Old 06-05-18, 04:22 PM
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Thanks for the replies. Good feedback. I actually haven't had the tub delivered, which is why I was thinking I might be premature before actually getting the nameplate amps from the motor itself. I'll just wait until the tub arrives from the manufacturer in a couple weeks and reassess the actual nameplate amps at that point-in-time. I just had some time to burn in "prep time" before I actually started the project and everything was delivered, so I thought I'd inquire on the whole 20 amp question since I'd have to go create a brand new circuit if 15 amps won't work.

Thanks again.
 
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Old 06-06-18, 07:29 AM
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You need to consider whether the pump's start-up load might overload the breaker and circuit.
 
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Old 06-13-18, 05:32 PM
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OK. Got the tub. Name plate is:
Hmax: 12m
Qmax: 380
7 Amps
L: 306
L1: 139
Class: 155(F)
CAP: 25 F/300V

Not sure I know all of those components, but the key ones are there. Any thoughts on whether this could run easily on a 15A breaker?
 
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Old 06-13-18, 06:05 PM
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Should not be an issue at 7 amps. Odd it doesn't list the voltage.
 
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Old 06-13-18, 06:36 PM
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110-120V/60Hz.

I just took that for granted assuming that was pretty much par for the course on a whirlpool tub.
 
  #10  
Old 06-14-18, 07:32 AM
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Right. It's always a good idea to use a DIY forum to justify ignoring a manufacturers recommendation for an electrical installation...
 
  #11  
Old 06-14-18, 07:58 AM
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Hmax: 12m
Qmax: 380
7 Amps
L: 306
L1: 139
Class: 155(F)
CAP: 25 F/300V

Not much here I recognize. 7 Amps is about it. The Class 155 seems like an insulation spec you would find on a motor or transformer. The CAP is a rating on a starting capacitor? L, L1, Hmax, Qmax = ?????
Are you looking at a motor nameplate or the PRODUCT nameplate?
 
 

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