Equipotential bonding not necessary for portable hot-tubs?

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NJ electrician

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I've read a few topics in this section already so i know that I am alone on this one. But i'd like everyone to read the language of the nec and point out why I'm wrong. I am going on the 2005 nec by the way, but the language does not change in the 2008 either. And please understand that i am not trying to offend anyone.

First, I dont see anything in 680 IV whatsoever covering equipotential bonding for spas or hot-tubs. It is not included in this section like it is in swimming-pools. So unless i've already made a mistake, lets move to article 682.
The reason i don't believe this type of bonding is required is right in the scope of this article (682.1). it reads; "This article applies to the installation of electrical wiring for, and equipment in and adjaccent to, natural or artificially made bodies of water not covered by other articles in this code such as but not limited to aeration ponds, fish farm ponds" and it continues a bit.

Please look at the portion i highlighted, specifially the words "not covered by other articles in this code". . Well Hot-tubs are covered by another article in this code. Yet there is no such requirement in the hot-tub article. If they wanted hot tubs to have equipotential bonding, then they would have specified it in 680 part IV like they did for in-ground swimming pools.

I would greatly appreciate your opinions on this matter. I have brought this to a few inspectiors i know and they agreed with my point of view according to the language of the code. however the inspector for the town I am working in currently requires this bonding (which is going to end up costing my customer $1500 in decking over her patio)

Im sorry for the long post and i greatly appreciate your time and knowledge in this matter. I look foward to your replies.
 
Welcome to the forum. :)

In your search, did you happen to look at this? :)

FWIW, it's rarely enforced in my area, but then again, most hot tubs around here are prewires until after move-in, and rarely end up inspected, as I hear it.

Now, I noticed in your heading you used the term "portable" but then didn't really say portable in the body of your post that I noticed. Are you talking about permanent hot tubs, or portable ones? I hadn't given much thought to portable ones.
 
georgestolz said:
:)

FWIW, it's rarely enforced in my area, but then again, most hot tubs around here are prewires until after move-in, and rarely end up inspected, as I hear it.

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You are correct, sir. In 8.5 years inspecting, I've looked at 1 hot tub. Count 'em, 1. And I failed it & no one called for a re-inspect. Go figure.:rolleyes:
 
rcarroll said:
You are correct, sir. In 8.5 years inspecting, I've looked at 1 hot tub. Count 'em, 1. And I failed it & no one called for a re-inspect. Go figure.:rolleyes:
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Do you think that it's still there with the red sticker attached?
 
What did you fail it on ?

WA has some exceptions to some of the hot tub rules or clarifications. They allow any legal wiring method up to the hot tub disconnect. Read some mumbo jumbo about the equipotential grid and interpreted it to mean that if your tub is plastic you don't have to put one in. Perhaps your state has some rules modifying the NEC also?
 
20 foot! That's definetly a violation but I think the 6 foot rule is absurd, 680.42(A)(1) 2002 NEC. To be legal and still be able to move your tub some you need to stub out with PVC(to avoid bonding) then use a FA and run your 6 feet of liquitite. And then trying to keep the disconnect further than 5ft from the tub leaves you 1ft to play with if you just use liquitite from the disconnect. That's just inane.
 
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I'm referring to the 2005 code. EBG is only required on permanently installed pools, spas and hot tubs. I recommend that you read that Art. 680 definition first to see if your spa/hot tub fits that description.
 
rcarroll said:
680.42 & 680.43 state that hot tubs are to comply with parts I & II of 680. Part II 680.26(C) requires the bonding grid. I see no exceptions for a portable tub.
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I appreciate you pointing that out. one more question. In 680.42, it still says shall comply with parts I and II, except as permitted in 680.42 (A) and (B) that would other-wise be covered under pools. Bonding is covered under 680.42 (B). therefore, shouldn't that makes spas an exception to the rule? Thank you guys for all the replies.
 
I think you are the victim of ANOTHER oversight in the code. This was originally intended for fiberglass and vinyl liner pools. It wasnt written that way and became the requirement for concrete pools as well. It was never intended as for portable hot tubs for obvious reasons. Is your deck going to be portable too?
In Fl a law was passed accepting the 2008 code reading that says you can use a single conductor around the pool with certain requirements.
Sorry, all i can do is side with you. you have a guy not understanding the intenet of the code.
 
NJ electrician said:
I appreciate you pointing that out. one more question. In 680.42, it still says shall comply with parts I and II, except as permitted in 680.42 (A) and (B) that would other-wise be covered under pools.
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Art 680.43 says the same thing for indoor installations, can you picture a EBG in your house. I know this can be confusing I get confused all of the time, but part II of Art. 680 is strickly for "permanently installed pools". If your pool/spa is not installed in the ground and not capable of holding 42" of water then Part II does not apply. Also look at 680.26(C). At the bottom of the first paragraph it says that the EBG "shall extend under paved walking surfaces". If you don't have a paved walking surface where would you put the EBG? Hope this helps.
 
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If your pool/spa is not installed in the ground and not capable of holding 42" of water then Part II does not apply. .
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Where are you getting this from? 680.42 & 43 both state that installation shall comply w/ parts I & II.
 
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NJ electrician said:
I appreciate you pointing that out. one more question. In 680.42, it still says shall comply with parts I and II, except as permitted in 680.42 (A) and (B) that would other-wise be covered under pools. Bonding is covered under 680.42 (B). therefore, shouldn't that makes spas an exception to the rule? Thank you guys for all the replies.
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Take a look at the link George posted. IMO, the EBG is required.
 
rcarroll said:
elohr46 said:
If your pool/spa is not installed in the ground and not capable of holding 42" of water then Part II does not apply. .
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Where are you getting this from? 680.42 & 43 both state that installation shall comply w/ parts I & II.
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Yes, you are correct about 680.42/43. What I was trying to do was make a comparison with permanently installed pools, storable pools and hot tubs/spas.
The code is not clear with EBG with hot tub/spa installations. If a storable pool doesn't need an EBG one might expect that a fiberglass and wood hot tub/spa with less than 42" of water in it would be the same.
 
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