Mounting Box under a Hydro tub?

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Davis9

Davis9

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MA,NH
I'm just wondering if anyone has a NEC compliant ay to provide a receptacle outlet under a hydromassage tub? Sounds simple but there really seems to be no easy way to do this. According to 406.4 2005 NEC the box shall be securely fastened in place.

Any ideas here. I need to do 40+ of these and I'm trying to save time and $$$ of course! NM wiring method.

Thanks in advance
Tom
 
Most of the hydromassage tubs we do have a stick built frame around it. I just use a nail on box by the schuttle hole. I also always use a dead front GFCI sitch in the bathroom on the wall somewhere near the main door so if the GFCI trips the HO doesn't have to open the scuttle.

I guess, You could just screw a 4" sq. box right to the floor.
 
Now you have to know that for one it will need to be GFCI protected (5' of tub 15,20 or 30A )and have an access plate to get to the electrical equipment and receptacle.

Hydro-tubs are also treated no differently than normal bathtubs in regards to the luminares, switches and other electrical equipment and so on...(c hapters 1-4 of the NEC apply )

If you are in the rough in stage a simple nail up box with a dedicated circuit located under the hydro-tub at the access plate area will allow for GFCI reset and so on.

Also be aware of the bonding issues that may apply...680.74 to refresh.

But a simple nail up, GFCI and access area....is all I would see you need...
 
The construction is metal studs, spacing is terrible. There is a very small access hole in the front righthand corner of the tub. I'm fine with all the applicable codes in 680.

It is tight in there. I'll try to find a link to the tub but there just doesn't seem to be a way to mount a box and then be able to install receptacle. If I premounted the GFCI(or recptacle) in the box to something(stud), I don't think you would be able to replace it in the future.

Just wondering what You all do? Could a strain relief of sorts be used? Just throwing out some ideas. Trying to streamline the rough stage if possible(in turn steamlining the finish as well).


Tom
 
It is hard to know without seeing it. Space is usually tight but I can always get one in there.

BTW, make sure you mount the box now and put the device in-- it may be a whole lot easier than later but you are right you do need access. Can you not mount a box to the floor??
 
I guess I have to ask...are they not providing an access for the actual motor to be serviced if needed either.....how about an access on the side wall for the motor and so on....no way to have access from another point?
 
Looks like an access in the left hand corner. Check out the link. Never seen that before. Seems like there would be space there to the left or right ot the access.
 
I don't believe they will be installing an access panel anywhere else. I guess a contortionist could physically get the motor out of that little hole!

Thanks for the responses guys, keep 'em coming if you have an idea for me.

Tom:confused:
 
The outlet must be accessable. The pump must be removible thru the access door. Sometimes this requires putting the access door on the outside wall of the house, painting it the same color as the house and planting a bush in front of it. Jacuzzi's are a big problem in my area. I turn them down consantly. I find removible panels, when I remove the screws, I find drywall!!! I find studs in they way of the opening. There are required sizes of opening that come with the tubs owners manual. The plumbing code also has sizes. I remember one as if the pump is 2' into the hole the opening must be 18" x 18". I think you can find a place to put your recp in there somewhere. I tell the contractor that if you can disconct the pump and remove it thru the opening it is ok.
 
(Amd) E4109.3 Accessibility. Hydromassage bathtub electrical equipment shall be accessible without damaging the building structure or building finish. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter devices shall be located in a readily accessible location for testing purposes. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter devices shall not be installed within the enclosure of the hydromassage tub.


THis is for Connecticut only... might want to check with your own state...
 
Thanks everyone.

Stick- I don't believe MA has that restriction.

Pierre--The condo unit below would love that!LOL

Tom

Could a 4" square "float" if a strain relief is used?
 
Davis9 said:
It's a Cadet Whirlpool tub by American Standard. I can't get the link to post.




http://cgi.ebay.com/American-Standard-Cadet-5-Whirlpool-Tub-w-Apron-LHO_W0QQitemZ300086410296QQcmdZViewItem
Click to expand...
Try this link:
http://www.americanstandard-us.com/products/productDetail.aspx?area=bath&cat=1&col=&prodID=880

Contains:
Spec Sheet
Installation Notes
etc

According to the spec sheet, this unit has a "Integral apron with removable access panel". I am guessing it's the lower portion of the lower front bottom LEFT.

2776.118W_pd_01.jpg

See the depression there?

Davis9 said:
The construction is metal studs, spacing is terrible. There is a very small access hole in the front righthand corner of the tub.
Click to expand...
I just did 90 of these...yes it was a PITA...metal studs; NO "Integral apron with removable access panel"; other condo units above/below; poured floors, etc.

What we did was mount a 1900 box with the built in side bracket on a stud in the framing by where the tub would sit, wired it with a GFCI recpt and cover...done as far as we were concerened. The EI was able to see the GFCI device during his rough inspection.
After the tubs were installed, sheetrocking etc...even up to the point when the tiles were laid, we were able to plug the motor in. We had to change a few devices out...and it was a ROYAL PITA. Where the GC cut the access doors left much to be desired.
 
Davis9 said:
Thanks Celtic,

I guess I(we) better get busy tomorrow morning before the next 30 tubs go in!

Tom:mad:
Click to expand...

I would..."time is of the essence".

Are you guys putting in some sort of a controller/timer?
See if you can co-ordinate with the plumbers so it doesn't become a huge disaster.
 
No timers spec'd on the job. The Plumbers aren't that fast. They only set between 5-7 Tubs in a day....

Thanks again

Tom
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Can you not mount a box to the floor??
Click to expand...

Some manufacturers instructions say to mount the recepticle a certain distance (4"?) above the floor. I got called on this a few years ago, and never do it any more.
 
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