hot tub disconnect

[Darren Stutzke]

680.41 What does the last sentence in this code section mean?

680.41EMERGENCY SWITCH FOR SPAS AND HOT TUBS. A clearly labeled emergency shut off or control switch for the purpose of stopping the motor that provides power to the recirculation system and jet system shall be installed at a point readily accessible to the users and not less than 1.5 m (5 ft.) away, adjacent to, and within site of the spa or hot tub. This requirement shall not apply to one family dwellings.

Our company has always installed a disconnect for a hot tub, we are quoting a repair and the disconnect is not within site of the tub so we were reviewing and I have never read that sentence in the section.

 

[tom baker]

680.41 What does the last sentence in this code section mean?

680.41EMERGENCY SWITCH FOR SPAS AND HOT TUBS. A clearly labeled emergency shut off or control switch for the purpose of stopping the motor that provides power to the recirculation system and jet system shall be installed at a point readily accessible to the users and not less than 1.5 m (5 ft.) away, adjacent to, and within site of the spa or hot tub. This requirement shall not apply to one family dwellings.

Our company has always installed a disconnect for a hot tub, we are quoting a repair and the disconnect is not within site of the tub so we were reviewing and I have never read that sentence in the section.

It means no emergency disconnect for one family dwelling.

 

[augie47]

No emergency switch needed but would you not still need an "in sight from" disconnenct due to 680.13 and Art 430 ??

 

[infinity]

Would a hot tub still require a disconnecting means? Could be cord and plug.

Edit: Augie beat me to it.

 

[Buck Parrish]

680.41 is for commercial use, hotels, health clubs, etc... . So it can be turned off quickly in an "emergency" clothing sucked in a pump, that sort of thing.
The last sentence says no emergency disconnect in SFD . But you still need a regular disconnect as you normally would.

 

[Darren Stutzke]

Ok sorry I was just confused "emergency disconnect" i was looking in the wrong section. thanks and sorry!

 

[LarryFine]

Yes, they're referring to these:





and not these:

 

[kwired]

Yes, they're referring to these:

View attachment 2555347



and not these:

View attachment 2555348

I think either one can be accceptable, just needs to be clearly marked to it's purpose.

If non dwelling but still a typical packaged spa, the second type is more likely, but might need better identification than what is typical at a SFD. If not a packaged spa, chances are pumps and other equipment is more remotely located - that is where the E-stop type switch is more practical to use

 

[rnatalie]

As noted, there are two different requirements. You must have a maintenance disconnect (may be just the plug if it is cord-and-plug connected) and within sight of the person working on the equipment (or lockable). I had mine UNDER the deck as the spa was installed flush to the deck surface.

The other requirement is the motor stop which has to be accessible to the occupants (but not closer than 5'). This is in case of hair entanglement or whatever. It need to fully de-energize the equipment, just stop the pumps. This is not required for the residential areas excepted in the last sentence.

 

[kwired]

As noted, there are two different requirements. You must have a maintenance disconnect (may be just the plug if it is cord-and-plug connected) and within sight of the person working on the equipment (or lockable). I had mine UNDER the deck as the spa was installed flush to the deck surface.

The other requirement is the motor stop which has to be accessible to the occupants (but not closer than 5'). This is in case of hair entanglement or whatever. It does not need to fully de-energize the equipment, just stop the pumps. This is not required for the residential areas excepted in the last sentence.

FIFY

 

[rnatalie]

FIFY

Thanks. Often the brain outruns the fingers.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You always need a standard disconnect for motors that are within sight of but the emergency stop is not required in single family dwellings

 

[LarryFine]

FIFY

I just figured out what that means.

 

[david]

I think either one can be accceptable, just needs to be clearly marked to it's purpose.

If non dwelling but still a typical packaged spa, the second type is more likely, but might need better identification than what is typical at a SFD. If not a packaged spa, chances are pumps and other equipment is more remotely located - that is where the E-stop type switch is more practical to use

The ADA requirements would not allow the lower pullout or standard breaker. Every emergency stop i ever seen was red in color

 

[jap]

680.41 is for commercial use, hotels, health clubs, etc... . So it can be turned off quickly in an "emergency" clothing sucked in a pump, that sort of thing.
The last sentence says no emergency disconnect in SFD . But you still need a regular disconnect as you normally would.

Yes, and more than likely in a place where someone is monitoring the use of the spa or hot tub.

Think about it, If your clothing got sucked into the vacuum of water created by the pump, or that sort of thing, and, no one was close enough to hear you yell for help, You'd be out of luck anyway seeing as how you would'nt be able to reach the Emergency Switch or E-Stop to shut it off to begin with.

JAP>

 

[david]

680.41 is for commercial use, hotels, health clubs, etc... . So it can be turned off quickly in an "emergency" clothing sucked in a pump, that sort of thing.
The last sentence says no emergency disconnect in SFD . But you still need a regular disconnect as you normally would.
[

Yes, and more than likely in a place where someone is monitoring the use of the spa or hot tub.

Think about it, If your clothing got sucked into the vacuum of water created by the pump, or that sort of thing, and, no one was close enough to hear you yell for help, You'd be out of luck anyway seeing as how you would'nt be able to reach the Emergency Switch or E-Stop to shut it off to begin with.

JAP>

shouldn't we be careful here dwellings such as two family , multi-family and town houses are not single family and are not usually classified commercial

if a Childs hair is sucked in or clothing or others who head is underwater there is not going to be much yelling out for help. The e-stop would be available for others in the area to assist in the possible rescue of the individual in danger. This is applicable to any installation other than the premise of a single family dwelling

Edit; Town houses can be classified as single family depends on your building department

 

[jap]

The whole problem with all of this is the dependency on someone else to push the button or shut off the emergency disconnect.

You would think in modern times there would be some type of safety bypass on the plumbing to shut the pump down and or relieve the suction if such an obstruction occurred.

JAP>

 

[LarryFine]

It has been a requirement for many years that dual return ports be used to reduce suction at one for this reason.

 

[retirede]

It has been a requirement for many years that dual return ports be used to reduce suction at one for this reason.

Correct. I believe the fear of a person being trapped by the pump suction of a modern pool or spa is totally irrational.

 

[jap]

About as irrational to think that anyone would be available,in the very few seconds it would take to drown, to activate an E Stop button or disconnect in such an emergency.

One would have to know the button or disconnects purpose before hand and be ready at a moments notice to spring into action to shut it down.

Not everyone knows about electrical so it's not likely



Jap>