Hot Tub Disconnect ???

[jamesoftn]

Per the Newsletter Question 12 brings another question after I recieved the answers.
Q12. I have a hot tub disconnect located fifteen feet from a hot tub and it?s plainly visible from the tub. Someone told me that the disconnect is required to be visible from the motor as well. Is this true?
A12. No. The maintenance disconnecting means for hot tubs must be readily accessible and located within sight and at least 5 ft from the hot tub unless separated from the open water by a permanently installed barrier that provides a 5 ft reach path or greater. This horizontal distance is measured from the water?s edge along the shortest path required to reach the disconnecting means [680.12].
I was under the impression the disconnect should be within sight from the equipment to be serviced (motor, controls, ect.) If the tub was sunken in a deck would the disconnect be needed at the top level visible from the tub or below the deck for the servicing of the equipment?

 

[slick 50]

I'm gonna say either or. As long as it is visable whether you neel down on one leg or stand on your tippy toes but you can see it from the tub location.:wink:

 

[jamesoftn]

Why would the disconnect need to be visable from the tub itself. The emergengy disconnect, if required, yes. The disconnect is to disconnect the power to safely service the equipment thus visable from the equipment.

 

[slick 50]

Why would the disconnect need to be visable from the tub itself. The emergengy disconnect, if required, yes. The disconnect is to disconnect the power to safely service the equipment thus visable from the equipment.

yes and 9 times out of 10 the equipment is all self contained with the hot tub

 

[jamesoftn]

Orignal post question was: If the tub was sunken in a deck would the disconnect be needed at the top level visible from the tub or below the deck for the servicing of the equipment? This has not been answered, what is the purpose of the disconnect? To be seen from the tub or to disconnect the electrical energy source for the servicing of the equipment.

 

[infinity]

Orignal post question was: If the tub was sunken in a deck would the disconnect be needed at the top level visible from the tub or below the deck for the servicing of the equipment? This has not been answered, what is the purpose of the disconnect? To be seen from the tub or to disconnect the electrical energy source for the servicing of the equipment.

Where is the tub located? Single family dwellings have a different rule than other locations.

 

[jamesoftn]

At a single family dwelling

 

[augie47]

I don't see anything in 680 parts I & II, or IV that would eliminate the need to comply with 430.102. If the emergency disconnect was in sight from the controller and motor it could serve as the 430.102 disconnect.
If the hot tub is installed as you describe with the motor and controller being out of sight of the emergency disconnect, I would think a seperate disconenct would be in order.

 

[infinity]

Single family dwelling do not require an emergency disconnect. A service disconnect is required. This can be an integral disconnect that is part of the tub.

680.41 Emergency Switch for Spas and Hot Tubs.
A clearly labeled emergency shutoff or control switch for the purpose of stopping the motor(s) that provide 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 sight of the spa or hot tub. This requirement shall not apply to single-family dwellings.

 

[augie47]

Single family dwelling do not require an emergency disconnect. A service disconnect is required. This can be an integral disconnect that is part of the tub.

stupid Code,,, hides sentances

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Single family dwelling do not require an emergency disconnect. A service disconnect is required. This can be an integral disconnect that is part of the tub.

This is something that needs changed in NEC . Is it less of a danger because it is residential ? I would prefer both, no reason one cant do both but please over something like this spend $20 and make it safe.

 

[infinity]

This is something that needs changed in NEC . Is it less of a danger because it is residential ? I would prefer both, no reason one cant do both but please over something like this spend $20 and make it safe.

I'm guessing that it has something to do with the amount of suction that a small residential tub would have vs. a larger commercial one where you could actually get sucking into the intake.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

I'm guessing that it has something to do with the amount of suction that a small residential tub would have vs. a larger commercial one where you could actually get sucking into the intake.

My niece is dead because of lack of emergancy shut off on residential. Some of the home hot tubs have huge pumps. Mine has 2 pumps. Not required but my emergancy shut off is 6 feet and within site. This is just another area where they got cheap.

 

[infinity]

My niece is dead because of lack of emergancy shut off on residential. Some of the home hot tubs have huge pumps. Mine has 2 pumps. Not required but my emergancy shut off is 6 feet and within site. This is just another area where they got cheap.

Jim, sorry to hear that.