Hot Tub Wiring

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frank112

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I have a friend who just moved into a new Home. (just built). He paid the electrical contractor to install wiring for a future hot tub. He is finishing the basement and once the drywall goes up, its to late to make changes. The contractor installed a 50 amp circuit using 6-2 ser, aluminum wire. I think this violates the code. 680.42(c). Drywall is scheduled to go up this weekend. Am I right, or does this fall under another rule
 

frank112

Member
I have always run 6-3 romex for a 50amp hottub. codebook per 680.42(c)
requires a copper ground, the way I read it
 

jes25

Senior Member
Location
Midwest
Why is it, whenever somebody asks a question who doesn't post a lot, we figure we must ask them a bunch of "what" and "why" questions before we respond.

Frank, thats the way I read it as well.
 

frank112

Member
Thanks jes25.
I work as a commercial electrician, doing very little residential work. sometimes I need help deciphering the codes applying to residential. This is a great site to find help for people like me. Thanks again. Anymore input would be welcome
 

mpd

Senior Member
pierre

what if the contractor had installed a sub-panel for no specified use, ran SER cable with aluminum grounding conductor, the job got inspected and passed, 1 month later installed a hot tub, could he feed it from that hot tub using 680.25 (A) exception
 

jes25

Senior Member
Location
Midwest
mpd said:
what if the contractor had installed a sub-panel for no specified use, ran SER cable with aluminum grounding conductor, the job got inspected and passed, 1 month later installed a hot tub, could he feed it from that hot tub using 680.25 (A) exception

I dont think the circuit in question is a feeder, but a branch circuit, however you could get around the requirement by installing one of those GFCI breaker combo deals. That would make the circuit a feeder. A scam IMO but I suppose it would be legal.
 

jes25

Senior Member
Location
Midwest
I would say yes, if there is a seperate permit pulled at a later date to hook up the tub. I suppose the GFCI panel should be installed now in order to call it existing, later. Again I feel this is going around the code but I do think it complies.
 

George Stolz

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
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Pierre C Belarge said:
There are many people who miss this copper conductor requirement. That is a good pickup...
I in no way disagree. But I am putting this question out there to understand why this is so. I noticed it in the marina's article too. A copper ground is required, no less than a #12.

Why does copper have the leg up? Please alphabitize your list. :)
 

George Stolz

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Staff member
Location
Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
Occupation
Service Manager
frank112 said:
Wouldn't these feeders need to comply with 680.25(A) or am I reading this wrong?
That is not correct, IMO.

For one, 680.25 restricts itself to 'Part II installations'.

680.40 states we must adhere to Part I & IV when dealing with hot tubs. So Parts II & III do not apply unless specifically referenced within a section.

So 680.42(C) is what we must adhere to in this circumstance, IMO.
 

dnem

Senior Member
Location
Ohio
georgestolz said:
frank112 said:
Wouldn't these feeders need to comply with 680.25(A) or am I reading this wrong?
That is not correct, IMO.

For one, 680.25 restricts itself to 'Part II installations'.

680.40 states we must adhere to Part I & IV when dealing with hot tubs. So Parts II & III do not apply unless specifically referenced within a section.

So 680.42(C) is what we must adhere to in this circumstance, IMO.
Good catch, George !
How about Jim's point of the amperage ?
Jim W in Tampa said:
I would suggest running some 1 inch conduit if this will hold the job up.Code book is outside in truck but i dont think #6 aluminum is ok for 50 amps
Table 310.16
#1 and smaller lugs are only rated for 60 degrees [unless otherwise lab marked]
#1/0 and larger lugs are 75 degrees [unless otherwise lab marked]
So a #6 Al must be connected to a 40 amp OC to protect the lugs regardless of what the wire temperture rating is.

Their future hot tub would be restricted in an OC of 40amps

David
 
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