Bonding question, spa on a slab and other points of interest

[mark32]

Hey guys,

I am installing the electric for a spa and have a question about bonding it. This outdoor spa sits on a concrete slab and the spa butts up against a composite deck, the top of the spa is flush, or is very close to being flush, with the surface of the spa. Prior to the slab being poured, I told the homeowner to contact me before that happens so I could come by and clamp a piece of #8 bare to the rebar. At that point, and even now, I was unsure if I even needed to do that but I wanted it in place just in case. So I check my phone one day and see that the homeowner had sent me a text saying that the pour was taking place, that text was an hour old. By time I called him the pour was done. During this, the HO had run out to Lowes and bought some #6 green stranded, so that's what the concrete guy clamped to the rebar. So here are my questions, (1) Do I need a perimeter bond here?
(2) If so, do I connect the #6 to said bond, and if so, does it need to be an irreversible connection?
(3) Considering the top of the spa and the deck are flush, should I strap the bond underneath the walking surface of the deck itself (Within 18-24" of the spa's edge)?
(4) Do you think the inspector will object to the #6 stranded emerging from the slab?

Thanks ~

 

[Little Bill]

See if this answers most of your questions............

Equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces in accordance
with 680.26(B)(2) shall not be required to be provided for spas
and hot tubs where all of the following conditions apply:
(1) The spa or hot tub shall be listed, labeled, and identified
as a self-contained spa for aboveground use.
(2) The spa or hot tub shall not be identified as suitable only
for indoor use.
(3) The installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and shall be located on or above
grade.
(4) The top rim of the spa or hot tub shall be at least 710 mm
(28 in.) above all perimeter surfaces that are within
760 mm (30 in.), measured horizontally from the spa or
hot tub. The height of nonconductive external steps for
entry to or exit from the self-contained spa shall not be
used to reduce or increase this rim height measurement.

 

[mark32]

Thank you Bill,

This install would not meet exception (4), so that answers my first question. I will just install a perimeter bond and split bolt onto the #6 and strap my #8 to the underside of the deck and see what unfolds. I will report back.

Thank you

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Stranded conductor is not compliant. You will need the equipotential bonding so if there is no concrete you can lay a piece of solid bare #8 18-24" from the tub and 4-6" deep. I don't believe the rebar needs bonding

 

[mark32]

Hey Dennis!

The footprint of the concrete pad sticks out less than 10" beyond the base of the spa, so it wouldn't be in the way of digging in the perimeter bond. With respect to the rebar inside the pad, initially I wanted the concrete guy to just stick a piece of rebar out of the pad, and then I'd clamp onto that, but as mentioned above, that didn't happen. Furthermore, right, I'm still unsure of the need to bond to the rebar, but I figured I couldn't go wrong connecting to it regardless. How do you feel about strapping the bond to the underneath of the deck itself?