Neighbor's hot tub wiring - not cool

[dwhite1031]

My neighbor has just added a "Softub" hot tub on his patio. It requires it's own 20 amp circuit as the pump/heater unit is 110v. At the rear of his house adjacent to the patio, is his 100 amp disconnect (directly beside the meter) and his service panel (breaker box) is in the garage at the front of the house. He is planning to just add a breaker box with 2 - 20 amp breakers right off the 100 amp disconnect panel becasue he doesn't want to run wire from the patio to the service panel in the garage thru the attic. He says this would be shorter and is nothing more than a subpanel. I told him I was pretty sure that was against code but can someone verify this? I thought a subpanel had to actually come off the main service panel. I think he's treading on thin ice here. He's also talking about doing the same thing for the above ground pool he's ordered.

 

[busman]

This MAY be legal. The code does not define "service panel". It does define service disconnect. Any further details on the specifics that would make this a legal installation are probably beyond the forum rule that limts us to not provide DIY information to non-electrical persons.

Mark

 

[charlie b]

You are very right to be concerned. Pools and spas have a special set of NEC rules all on their own. That is because there are many ways in which incorrect wiring can lead to the electrocution of any persons in the water. It is absolutely not a simple matter of just adding a breaker box and running wire to the pump. Grounding, bonding, ground fault protection, and a host of other considerations come into play.

There are also a number of important NEC rules about panels that are installed downstream of the main service disconnect. An incorrect installation can pose a risk of electrocution, not just by the pool area, but also in almost any room in the house.

My advice to your neighbor would be that he hire an electrician to install the wiring. He may think he can do it cheaper; he may think the cost of professional installation is too dear. But what does he know about the risk to those he loves?

The life you save won't be your own. (Famous saying by some famous guy, or at least it will be when I get my publicist working on it.)

 

[dwhite1031]

Thanks Busman and Charlie B.

During the typical over the fence conversation, he had told me of his plan and asked my advice. But since I'm a mechanical engineer and IT specialist, and not an electrician, I had suggested he do just that, call in a pro. I told him I'd see what I could find out as well. With 6 kids and nice home, I agree that he needs to do it right and keep everyone safe.

I appreciate all of the input. Have a great day.