Jacuzzi bathtubs

[jeff48356]

If installing a Jacuzzi bathtub, would I need a GFCI located in the bathroom, or could I just use a GFCI breaker in the panel? There is really no place in the bathroom where the switch would not look unsightly, so I'd rather use the breaker.

 

[infinity]

If you're referring to a hydromassage tub then this would apply. Look in Article 100 for the definition of Accessible,Readily.

680.71 Protection. Hydromassage bathtubs and their associ-
ated electrical components shall be on an individual branch
circuit(s) and protected by a readily accessible ground-fault
circuit interrupter. All 125-volt, single-phase receptacles not
exceeding 30 amperes and located within 1.83 m (6 ft) mea-
sured horizontally of the inside walls of a hydromassage tub
shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

 

[John120/240]

What I have done is install a blank face GFCI in a closet. Install receptacle under the tub adjacent to the tub motor that is protected by the blank face GFCI. Or a GFCI breaker with the under tub receptacle.

 

[Sierrasparky]

What I have done is install a blank face GFCI in a closet. Install receptacle under the tub adjacent to the tub motor that is protected by the blank face GFCI. Or a GFCI breaker with the under tub receptacle.

I used to do that too. However People don't remember this or the house changes hands. I will put a GFCI in the panel now because this is the first place one will look.

 

[Bjenks]

Well maybe I need to understand this code a little better. I always thought it had to be on its own circuit and a GFCI readily available and within 6 ft horizontally. It was thinking this 6 ft made it obvious what it was used for (Jacuzzi bath). But now I am wondering if they are only resaying what we already know as the 6' GFCI receptacle rule for dwelling water sources in 210.8(A)(7)?

680.71 Protection. Hydromassage bathtubs and their associ-
ated electrical components shall be on an individual branch
circuit(s) and protected by a readily accessible ground-fault
circuit interrupter. All 125-volt, single-phase receptacles not
exceeding 30 amperes and located within 1.83 m (6 ft) mea-
sured horizontally of the inside walls of a hydromassage tub
shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Well maybe I need to understand this code a little better. I always thought it had to be on its own circuit and a GFCI readily available and within 6 ft horizontally. It was thinking this 6 ft made it obvious what it was used for (Jacuzzi bath). But now I am wondering if they are only resaying what we already know as the 6' GFCI receptacle rule for dwelling water sources in 210.8(A)(7)?

680.71 Protection. Hydromassage bathtubs and their associ-
ated electrical components shall be on an individual branch
circuit(s) and protected by a readily accessible ground-fault
circuit interrupter. All 125-volt, single-phase receptacles not
exceeding 30 amperes and located within 1.83 m (6 ft) mea-
sured horizontally of the inside walls of a hydromassage tub
shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

The rule is that any receptacles within 6' of the tub would need to be gfi protected. It does not mean that a switch must be located within 6' of the tub. You do need an individual circuit but the only switch required would be at the motor. I do as others have done and use a gfci dead front switch in the bath area as a safety disconnect but it is not required. The gfci can be in the panel and a standard receptacle located under the tub would suffice. Most areas will not allow gfci under the tub area as it is not usually readily accessible.