AL cable for hot tubs ?

[Stevenfyeager]

With 6-3 and #6 conductors so expensive, I may start using AL cable in a crawl space or attic then change back to Cu outside to the hot tub. (if its a long run) This week, two different hot tub dealers told me the two 50 amp tubs need #6 Copper only. I assume they mean where it connects outside in the tub. They both stressed copper. Maybe some people have recently tried running AL all the way into the tub ?? And I'm guessing the tubs say copper only...?

 

[Terminator5047]

My hot tub was copper only and honestly by the time u buy Polaris taps to splice are you saving any money ?

 

[AC\DC]

get The model and read the manual, hot tub dealers know nothing. I have told a few off for going past their sales men boundarie.

 

[LarryFine]

My hot tub was copper only and honestly by the time u buy Polaris taps to splice are you saving any money ?

I normally make the transition at the disconnect. Aluminum from panel to disco, copper from disco to hot tub.

 

[Terminator5047]

I normally make the transition at the disconnect. Aluminum from panel to disco, copper from disco to hot tub.

That’s a good idea never thought of that.

 

[LarryFine]

That’s a good idea never thought of that.

I do that once in a while.

 

[Little Bill]

Ask the tub mfg if the Al from the POCO lines to the meter is ok or should that be changed for their tubs?

I do as Larry, Al to disco, then THWN Cu to tub

 

[GoldDigger]

The only a few legitimate reasons I can think of for the manufacturer to make that recommendation:

1. Their terminations are not rated for Al.
2. Their terminations are sized for Cu, but not for the larger size wire required for Al
3. They are concerned about a corrosive atmosphere in the vicinity of the tub based on moisture, chlorine, etc. (in which case Cu plated Al might be OK?)

 

[LarryFine]

Methinks it's the combination of #s 1 and 3.

 

[kwired]

My hot tub was copper only and honestly by the time u buy Polaris taps to splice are you saving any money ?

What wrong with running aluminum to the disconnect that is required to be within sight and then copper from there to the unit?

I need to maybe review things in 680 a little, but off top of my head is possible you still need copper for the EGC regardless?

 

[Terminator5047]

Nothing I admitted above I never thought of that l Honestly am mostly commercial/industrial, the only hot tub I did was mine and I got the wire and gfi disc for free from the vendor I always deal with