Disconnect for a Hot Tub

[Energy-Miser]

Gave an estimate for a new hot tub, with existing underground wires piped right to the side of the hot tub (this is a new but replacement hot tub). The wires are adequate, breaker the right size, etc. three pipes coming out of the side of the house. Home owner assured me that the pipe on the left was the one for hot tub, I saw there was enough room to the left of this pipe to put the disconnec right next to the condulet. At install time found out the middle pipe was the one for the hot tub and not the left most pipe. There is no room around or above this middle pipe for the disocnnect. Is there a way to put the disconnect (it is a 60 amp GFI disconnect made for hot tubs) near the hot tub where the wires come out of the gournd, and remain code compliant? Our other alternative would be to trench out and away from the tub, put the isconnect on a post, and come back to the tub. It will be much more time consuming and won't look very nice. Home owner from the beginning tried to encourage us to put the disconnect at the hot tub. Any hope for saving this mini project?? e/m

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If this is a residential outdoor tub, I believe you can locate the disco under the tub surround. I cannot find where this is not allowed.

 

[bphgravity]

Just make sure the installation complies with 680.12 and 680.22(C) of the NEC...

 

[Energy-Miser]

Just make sure the installation complies with 680.12 and 680.22(C) of the NEC...

680.12 talks about the need for a disconnect, but does not mention distance limitations. 680.22(C) does talk about distance for switching devices, but says that "Alternatively, a switch that is listed as being acceptable for use within 1.5 m (5 ft) shall be premitted." Not sure if such acceptability would be listed in the paperwork that is in the box for the disconnect. Will need to check. e/m

 

[Energy-Miser]

If this is a residential outdoor tub, I believe you can locate the disco under the tub surround. I cannot find where this is not allowed.

Dennis,
In checking out the code for this, I came across 680.41 (2002 edtion of the NEC), which is about Emergency Switch for Spas and Hot Tubs. This article ends by saying this requirement shall not apply to single-family dwellings. In the context of my application, can I assume that the Emergency switch is the same thing as the maintenance disconnectiong means?

 

[iwire]

can I assume that the Emergency switch is the same thing as the maintenance disconnection means?

No, they are entirely different.

The emergency switch usually takes the form of a mushroom headed red button that will kill the pumps if there is an emergency such as someone stuck to the drain by the pump....unfortentaly it has happened.

 

[Energy-Miser]

No, they are entirely different.

The emergency switch usually takes the form of a mushroom headed red button that will kill the pumps if there is an emergency such as someone stuck to the drain by the pump....unfortentaly it has happened.

Yes, I thought so too, but was not sure. So what that article says is that you do not need the mushroom head disconnect button, but still do need the maintenance disconnect from what i understand. Thanks iwire. e/m

 

[iwire]

So what that article says is that you do not need the mushroom head disconnect button, but still do need the maintenance disconnect from what i understand.

Yes, that is correct and your welcome.

 

[Energy-Miser]

Well curiosity got the better part of me and I checked to see what we had purchased for the disconnect, and here it is:
UPC is: 782116/05660
And the product description (from online invoicing) is:
CUHD CH60SPA SPA PANEL, 4 CKT, 2 POLE 6
Aparently a cutler hammer disconnect made for spas. Anyone know if this one is listed to be installed within 5 feet?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Yes, I thought so too, but was not sure. So what that article says is that you do not need the mushroom head disconnect button, but still do need the maintenance disconnect from what i understand. Thanks iwire. e/m

Art 680.12 says you need a disco for maintenance and it must be within sight from its equipment. Within sight means within 50 feet and within sight.

If the disco is under the tub it would be insight of the equipment-- if there is room to mount it there.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Well curiosity got the better part of me and I checked to see what we had purchased for the disconnect, and here it is:
UPC is: 782116/05660
And the product description (from online invoicing) is:
CUHD CH60SPA SPA PANEL, 4 CKT, 2 POLE 6
Aparently a cutler hammer disconnect made for spas. Anyone know if this one is listed to be installed within 5 feet?

I don't believe you can install the disco within 5' unless separated from the tub by a wall or barrier art. 680.22.(C)

 

[Energy-Miser]

I don't believe you can install the disco within 5' unless separated from the tub by a wall or barrier art. 680.22.(C)

but that article ends by saying: "Alternatively, a switch that is listed as being acceptable for use within 1.5 m (5 ft) shall be premitted.", so not sure ... e/m

 

[Dennis Alwon]

but that article ends by saying: "Alternatively, a switch that is listed as being acceptable for use within 1.5 m (5 ft) shall be premitted.", so not sure ... e/m

I believe that is referring to air switches and switches on the tub itself.

 

[Energy-Miser]

I believe that is referring to air switches and switches on the tub itself.

Well that old lady did not accept our solution of trenching to somewhere away from the tub to put in the disconnect (remember that wiring was already existing up to the side of the tub). We refused to slap one on the side of the tub, and thus did not get the job. I imagine she found someone else who did it the way she wanted. To make it worse, I stepped on some of her dog's stuff in her back yard, and we had ordered the disconnect for her which had to be returned, etc. All in a day's work. She was a nice lady though, so I did thank her for considering us

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

but that article ends by saying: "Alternatively, a switch that is listed as being acceptable for use within 1.5 m (5 ft) shall be premitted.", so not sure ... e/m

There are switches listed for this purpose. Generally they are marine type switches.


It is admirable that you can walk away from a job when things are slow for you!!

 

[Energy-Miser]

There are switches listed for this purpose. Generally they are marine type switches.


It is admirable that you can walk away from a job when things are slow for you!!

I would have probably done it if the diconnect was a little better sheltered. Where she wanted it installed was directly on the unit, where it was sure to get splashed all the time. e/m