hydo message bath tub GFCI protection requirements

[howardrichman]

I'm wiring g a hydomessage Jacuzzi bath tub this week. It requires 2 dedicated circuits. One 20 amp 120 volt for the pump, and 240 Volt 20 amp for the blower and heater. According to code the GFI protection for all it's equipment is required in an accessible location. Will both the 120V and 240V lines both need to be in an accessible location and how far away from tub? If so, must they have gfci devices there, or in the panel, and use switches near tub?



Please Reply;
Thank You.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The gfci can be anywhere on the circuit but there must be 2 disconnects for the tub no more than 50' and within sight. Generally, we put disconnects (a receptacle) under the tub and use a dead front GFCI in the bathroom area. The 240v will probably need a gfci in the panel.

 

[howardrichman]

The gfci can be anywhere on the circuit but there must be 2 disconnects for the tub no more than 50' and within sight. Generally, we put disconnects (a receptacle) under the tub and use a dead front GFCI in the bathroom area. The 240v will probably need a gfci in the panel.

That's what the local inspector is letting me do. I was worried I'd need a readily accessible disconnect for the 240V, cause its part of the tubs circuits.

 

[kwired]

That's what the local inspector is letting me do. I was worried I'd need a readily accessible disconnect for the 240V, cause its part of the tubs circuits.

The equipment needs a disconnect within sight, may be able to use a permanent locking provision on the branch circuit device though on the heater, but motor circuits don't have that option. A disconnect within sight only needs to be accessible from the equipment location, under the tub is fine. A GFCI needs to be readily accessible regardless of location. Some debates over what is acceptable with that though. Most feel you at least need ready access without the use of any tools, so if under the tub any access panels need to be "tool-less" to remove at the very least, some don't even think that is allowed though. NEC isn't quite so clear on this.