how to 'temporary' a hot tub safely

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Stevenfyeager

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Location
United States, Indiana
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electrical contractor
What I mean by 'temporary' is my customer repairs hot tubs in his garage and needs 60 amps. I installed a panel in his garage but how do I make a safe easy connector without just having wires on the floor where someone could turn on the breaker during the times he doesn't have a tub, and those loose wires would become hot. The only 60 amp receptacle I found is a three phase, and the supplier said he doesnt have a 60 amp cord. I thought this would be the way to go so we leave a clean safe site. (He would have to use a cord and wire nut it temporarily, but that would be on him) Any suggestions ? Thanks.
 
Pin and sleeve style. I've used scame, amphenol, Appleton. Scame I think is the most cost effective for this situation.
The mating connector could have a whip hanging off with a couple Polaris connectors or some other type of insulated connection.

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Shaneyj said:
Pin and sleeve style. I've used scame, amphenol, Appleton. Scame I think is the most cost effective for this situation.
The mating connector could have a whip hanging off with a couple Polaris connectors or some other type of insulated connection.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
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Thank you, but I'm not familiar with these terms. Do you know a link for these ?
 
I like what Shane said. Also I'm thinking you could install a 50 amp gfci breaker in the garage to feed the tub. Most require 60 amp rated wire with 50 breaker. Also you could install a couple wood two by fours over the conduit to protect it.

My self and a lot of other guys would tell the customer that you don't install temp circuits for hot tubs. It's just to risky to dangerous. . Especially if their are kids around.
When does temp become permanent? You see where I'm going with this...
 
Buck Parrish said:
I like what Shane said. Also I'm thinking you could install a 50 amp gfci breaker in the garage to feed the tub. Most require 60 amp rated wire with 50 breaker. Also you could install a couple wood two by fours over the conduit to protect it.

My self and a lot of other guys would tell the customer that you don't install temp circuits for hot tubs. It's just to risky to dangerous. . Especially if their are kids around.
When does temp become permanent? You see where I'm going with this...
Click to expand...
If I read the OP correctly, the use is at his own garage shop where he repairs other people's tubs.
I suppose you could tell him to bring in an electrician to "permanently" install each one.
 
I could see installing a 60A lockable spa disconnect within sight and readily accessible that he can lock when not in the shop. Then some permanently connected 4-4 SO cord like syncro mentioned with some insulated Polaris connectors on the end.

The cord can get rolled up when not in use, the connectors are insulated and the temporarily unused ports can get plugged. If there is concern of the cord getting damaged on the floor when in use then some protection should be installed.

Rob G
 
This does not seem to me anymore dangerous to me than any other temporary connection. You can get 60 amp plugs. They're just not as easy to get as more common stuff but it's not like they're unavailable. I would not screw around with Polaris connectors and just get a piece of cord and put a plug on the end of it so he can plug it into a receptacle.
 
I wouldn't do anything other than place a disconnect and run a cord from that. The guy working on the tubs is going to have to wire it to the tub anyway. I see no use in adding a male/female cord cap, pin-n-sleeve, receptacle, etc. Just get a cord, connect it to the disconnect, leave the disconnect in the open position, open the breaker, cap the wires, and roll up the cord. When needed, the guy can connect to the tub and turn on the disconnect and breaker, rinse and repeat.
 
Little Bill said:
I wouldn't do anything other than place a disconnect and run a cord from that. The guy working on the tubs is going to have to wire it to the tub anyway. I see no use in adding a male/female cord cap, pin-n-sleeve, receptacle, etc. Just get a cord, connect it to the disconnect, leave the disconnect in the open position, open the breaker, cap the wires, and roll up the cord. When needed, the guy can connect to the tub and turn on the disconnect and breaker, rinse and repeat.
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What happens when he forgets to lock the disconnect and his kid closes it?
 
How are the connections made at the hot tub itself? Is there a pigtail coming out, or is there a terminal block inside the hot tub that wires get connected to?

-Jon
 
Little Bill said:
I wouldn't do anything other than place a disconnect and run a cord from that. The guy working on the tubs is going to have to wire it to the tub anyway. I see no use in adding a male/female cord cap, pin-n-sleeve, receptacle, etc. Just get a cord, connect it to the disconnect, leave the disconnect in the open position, open the breaker, cap the wires, and roll up the cord. When needed, the guy can connect to the tub and turn on the disconnect and breaker, rinse and repeat.
Click to expand...
Agreed. (y)
 
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