Hot Tub pad Bonding

[T74]

I have one inspector who requires a hot tub pad to have a #8 run in the pad and then bonded in unit. (installed before they pour)

I always do it in this town but is this required? I don't see it in the hot tub section of 680...

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What don't you see. The tub does not needs bonding if these criteria are met.

680.42(B) Bonding
Bonding by metal-to-metal mounting on a common frame or base shall be permitted. The metal bands or hoops used to secure wooden staves shall not be required to be bonded as required in 680.26.
Equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces in accordance with 680.26(B)(2) shall not be required to be provided for spas and hot tubs where all of the following conditions apply:

• (1)
  The spa or hot tub shall be listed, labeled, and identified as a self-contained spa for aboveground use.
• (2)
  The spa or hot tub shall not be identified as suitable only for indoor use.
• (3)
  The installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall be located on or above grade.
• (4)
  The top rim of the spa or hot tub shall be at least 710 mm (28 in.) above all perimeter surfaces that are within 760 mm (30 in.), measured horizontally from the spa or hot tub. The height of nonconductive external steps for entry to or exit from the self-contained spa shall not be used to reduce or increase this rim height measurement.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If your tub needs perimeter bonding then it must follow the perimeter bonding in 680.26(B)(2) as you would for a pool

 

[AC\DC]

I have not seen a new hot tub that does not meet all the requirements. I figure this is for old hot tubs I guess.
From reading (4) so if they deck up to the hottub then you need a equipotential bond??? seems stupid how do you bond wood lol.

 

[Little Bill]

I have not seen a new hot tub that does not meet all the requirements. I figure this is for old hot tubs I guess.
From reading (4) so if they deck up to the hottub then you need a equipotential bond??? seems stupid how do you bond wood lol.

Not all hot tubs are a listed complete tub like the ones sold by the Spa places. Some are just built, usually next to a pool. They just pour the shell and add pumps, lights, etc. Those are the ones that need bonding like a pool.

 

[AC\DC]

Oooooo never seen them.

 

[Little Bill]

Oooooo never seen them.

You can see them at a lot of Hotels/Motels that have a pool. It's usually right next to, or very near the pool.
I've wired for several pools that the spas were free built with the pool.

 

[T74]

What don't you see. The tub does not needs bonding if these criteria are met.

I don't see any mention of an equipotential bond being required when there is a poured concrete pad. (even when requirements of 680.42B are met)

I have an inspector asking me for it.

 

[AC\DC]

Hot tubs have to comply with I believe part one and either 2or 3 of 680 and they reference equipotential bonding. Like Dennis said the article that specifically calls out when you don’t need it otherwise you do