Hot tub next to AC condenser 680.41B

[iwirehouses]

Hello, just looked at a hot tub install. It will be installed next to an Air Conditioning condenser unit. The condenser is prob 3 ft from hot tub. I googled the topic, and mostly found that since the condenser is not an outlet, as long as the ac disconnect is more then 5 feet, its no problem. But may need to be bonded to hot tub if within 5 ft.

Figured a better strategy is to break out my 2023 code book. It looks like they added 680.41B. Which if i am reading this correctly, says no electrical equipment, other then spa or hot tub can be located within 5 ft from tub. Unless permanent barrier is installed.

Am I reading this correctly? Thanks in advance for any insight

 

[retirede]

I think you are correct.

Who would want to listen to the AC running while trying to relax in their spa anyway? Not a well-thought installation.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I agree. An air conditioner would not be allowed within 5' without the barrier.

 

[kwired]

AC unit is electrical equipment if it has a electrical circuit supplying it.

The outlet is not at the disconnect it is at the unit per art 100 definitions. Can be some debate on exactly where the outlet is but most will likely agree it is at the point where the branch circuit conductors land for the equipment terminations. But that still doesn't change the fact the AC unit is electrical equipment.

Move the AC or the hot tub or put a barrier between them is basically the choices here. Should you not want to comply with that then at very least make sure the AC unit is bonded to the equipotential bonding lug typically on the pump motor or sometimes an external grounding bar on the control panel in the hot tub. They will at least be at same potential that way.