Hot Tub/Spa Shutoff-breaker location?

[ddecart]

Can you guys help with some confusion.

50 Amp, GCFI breaker in a sub-panel for a spa, 5-15' from the tub.

Since it's a 'service' shutoff and not an emergency shutoff for a residential application, does it need to be located where it can be accessed from on the deck, or can it be put where you have to walk down to ground level and around to the other side of the deck (near the spa)?

Trying to plan where to put the low-voltage deck lighting. Do I need to reserve a nearby post for the spa panel, or can I go ahead and put my low voltage lighting on that post and have them mount the spa panel down underneath (still accessible of course)?

Thanks!
Dave

 

[stamcon]

Re: Hot Tub/Spa Shutoff-breaker location?

Dave, is this a single family dwelling? In the '99
NEC, the last sentence of 680-38 excludes single family dwellings from the emergency shut-off requirement.

 

[ddecart]

Re: Hot Tub/Spa Shutoff-breaker location?

Yes. It's a single family residence.

As I understand it, I need to have a 50 Amp GFCI 'sub-panel' installed 5-10 feet from the tub. That's what the spa place is telling me anyhow. Seems to match what I've found online, too.

Since it isn't an emergency shutoff, I suspect having it in a less than convenient location is ok. Just trying to confirm that.

 

[bill addiss]

Re: Hot Tub/Spa Shutoff-breaker location?

680-12 ('99 NEC or 680.12 in 2002 NEC) - Maintenance Disconnecting Means.
They both say:
... Each means shall be accessible and within sight of the equipment.

It also must be at least 5 feet away from the inside wall of the tub.

Stamcon,

The section that you quoted is for an Emergency switch to turn off the recirculating system, which doesn't necessarily disconnect power, it's a different type of animal.

Bill

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: Hot Tub/Spa Shutoff-breaker location?

Bill as your post started within sight.........
Thats the key to me it is still a disconnect

 

[ddecart]

Re: Hot Tub/Spa Shutoff-breaker location?

Thanks guys. Sounds like I'm ok. Where the sub-panel/GFCI breaker box thingy is going to go is pretty much right next to where you'd have to go if you were going to service the tub. Probably about 7' away from the edge of the tub, definitely more than 5'.