outdoor hot tub E.G.C. size

[Matt the electrician]

Hello,
A friend of mine is intstalling a outdoor hot tub. Being that it is a 50 amp 2 pole circuit, does it not require at least a #8 equipment grounding conductor according to NEC article 680?

 

[infinity]

Being that it is a 50 amp 2 pole circuit, does it not require at least a #8 equipment grounding conductor according to NEC article 680?

Yes it requires an EGC. Is there really much equipment (aside from double insulated) that doesn't require an EGC?

 

[wwhitney]

Yes it requires an EGC. Is there really much equipment (aside from double insulated) that doesn't require an EGC?

The question was about EGC size. Table 250.122 says a #10 Cu EGC is good up to 60A. Is there something in Article 680 that would require a larger EGC?

Cheers, Wayne

 

[ramsy]

Is there something in Article 680 that would require a larger EGC?

Maybe for bonding the equipment in 680.26(B), or 680.43(E)

 

[Little Bill]

I've installed several hot tubs and some required a full size EGC. So if you're running #6 ungrounded conductors, then a #6 was required. For the record, I never complied with that as I deemed it useless as the NEC only required a #10. Never had a problem with inspectors.

 

[Little Bill]

Maybe for bonding the equipment in 680.26(B), or 680.43(E)

The bonding is not the same as an EGC. There is a lug just for the bonding, and a lug for the EGC on hot tubs.

 

[TX+ MASTER#4544]

Hello,
A friend of mine is intstalling a outdoor hot tub. Being that it is a 50 amp 2 pole circuit, does it not require at least a #8 equipment grounding conductor according to NEC article 680?

2023 NEC
680.43 (E)(3) "....not smaller than a 8 AWG."
TX+MASTER#4544

 

[curt swartz]

2023 NEC
680.43 (E)(3) "....not smaller than a 8 AWG."
TX+MASTER#4544

That has nothing to do with the branch circuit or feeder EGC.

 

[Fred B]

Hello,
A friend of mine is intstalling a outdoor hot tub. Being that it is a 50 amp 2 pole circuit, does it not require at least a #8 equipment grounding conductor according to NEC article 680?

Two separate requirements are in play for your outdoor hot tub. Often confused and misapplied. EGC and EP Bonding not the same.
Requires an EGC sized per 250.122
Bonding jumpers and Equipotential boding sized to 680.42(B) requirements being an outdoor hot tub. To exempt from this you must meet ALL 4 additional requirements of 680.42(B)(1-4)
And don't forget the potential and probable need for a grounded conductor (neutral), for lighting and controls that are usually 120V.

 

[kwired]

I've installed several hot tubs and some required a full size EGC. So if you're running #6 ungrounded conductors, then a #6 was required. For the record, I never complied with that as I deemed it useless as the NEC only required a #10. Never had a problem with inspectors.

Yet most them don't even give you decent wire bending space for 6 AWG at the termination points.

 

[kwired]

Two separate requirements are in play for your outdoor hot tub. Often confused and misapplied. EGC and EP Bonding not the same.
Requires an EGC sized per 250.122
Bonding jumpers and Equipotential boding sized to 680.42(B) requirements being an outdoor hot tub. To exempt from this you must meet ALL 4 additional requirements of 680.42(B)(1-4)
And don't forget the potential and probable need for a grounded conductor (neutral), for lighting and controls that are usually 120V.

I think possibly mechanical strength is a factor in the 8AWG required for the EPBJs. The EGC will have better mechanical protection by the raceway/cable that contains it, the EPBJs will often be exposed.