Hot Tub GFI Location

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Kopper

Kopper

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Location
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
A customer of mine wants the electrical installed for a new hot tub. That is all fine and great except that hot tub panels are difficult to acquire due to product availability. I got the bright - or maybe not so bright - idea that maybe it would work to provide GFCI protection in the main panel and simply install a disconnect near the hot tub. I know the disconnect is required to be between 5 and 10 feet from the tub but must that be a GFCI disconnect or just a disconnect with the GFCI protection in the main panel. it would be a pain if the GFCI would trip but it may be preferable to waiting until "the ship comes in" with the necessary products.
 
The gfci can be in either location. Btw, the disconnect must be at least 5' away and within sight not between 5-10'
 
Off top of my head the GFCI at the panel is OK.

Will check the book when I get vack.
 
Kopper said:
Thanks Dennis for that info and clarification. Am I correct that it must not be further than 10' away?
Click to expand...
That is not correct assuming we are talking a residence.

680.13 Maintenance Disconnecting Means. One or more
means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors
shall be provided for all utilization equipment other than
lighting. Each means shall be readily accessible and within sight
from its equipment and shall be located at least 1.5 m (5 ft)
horizontally from the inside walls of a pool, spa, fountain, or
hot tub unless separated from the open water by a permanently
installed barrier that provides a 1.5 m (5 ft) reach path or
greater. This horizontal distance shall be measured from the
water's edge along the shortest path required to reach the
disconnect.
Click to expand...
 
Dennis Alwon said:
That is not correct assuming we are talking a residence.
Click to expand...
680.13 Maintenance Disconnecting Means. One or more
means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors
shall be provided for all utilization equipment other than
lighting. Each means shall be readily accessible and within sight
from its equipment and shall be located at least 1.5 m (5 ft)
horizontally from the inside walls of a pool, spa, fountain, or
hot tub unless separated from the open water by a permanently
installed barrier that provides a 1.5 m (5 ft) reach path or
greater. This horizontal distance shall be measured from the
water's edge along the shortest path required to reach the
disconnect.
Click to expand...

Why doesn't "if capable being locked in open position" exception apply to 680 disconnects?
 
edward said:
Why doesn't "if capable being locked in open position" exception apply to 680 disconnects?
Click to expand...
Remember capable of being locked doesn't apply to many instances. Motors are an example, hvac another.

If the lock is mentioned in 680 then it would be compliant but it is not. If that was the intent they would have written it into that section
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Remember capable of being locked doesn't apply to many instances. Motors are an example, hvac another.

If the lock is mentioned in 680 then it would be compliant but it is not. If that was the intent they would have written it into that section
Click to expand...
Do you know why it does not apply? Any logic behind why it applies to some and it does not to other installs?
 
edward said:
Do you know why it does not apply? Any logic behind why it applies to some and it does not to other installs?
Click to expand...
I am guessing they feel like this would be more dangerous if the breaker lock was used because no resi guys carry locks with them-- not around here anyway.

Personally I would like to see the breaker lock removed from the code-- I know I will get hell for that but I feel like it is a bad setup. I am much more likely to work on a dishwasher with the switch nearby then I am to find the breaker etc. I would probably work it hot instead. The code is there to protect idiots like myself so why aren't they doing that....LOL
 
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