Spa feed in conduit?

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jjhoward

jjhoward

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Location
Northern NJ
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Owner TJ Electric
Does the feed for an externally mounted spa box need to be in conduit? Is that a 2005 requirement or is it in the 2002?

Thank you.
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

I think so, see 680.42 for outdoor installations, see 680.43 for indoor installations.

They refer you to Part II, which includes 680.21(A)(1). ;)
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

Hi George,
Thanks for the reference.
Does 680.21(A)(4) allow cable to be run from the main breaker panel in the one-family house to the location on the inside wall where I will pass through to the exterior mounted spa box?

I am thinking NM cable, no conduit. I don't have a copy of the 2005 yet, (I guess I should get it since this is now 6th month of 2005!)do you know if the 2005 has any changes regarding this?
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

Most Jurisdictions are still using 2002. I doubt yours is using the 2005 yet. As for your question, yes it must be ran in conduit.
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

I would think if its a direct shot behind the panel, you would be fine with NM. At long as you dont cross a studspace.
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

What's in the spa box? If there's as breaker in it, rather than just an unfused disconnect, then the wires feeding the disconnect are a feeder and not a branch circuit. NEC 680.25 requires pool/spa feeders to be in conduit with an insulated grounding wire.
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

Originally posted by jjhoward:
Does 680.21(A)(4) allow cable to be run from the main breaker panel in the one-family house to the location on the inside wall where I will pass through to the exterior mounted spa box?
Click to expand...
No, but 680.42(C) does. :D

My 2005's in the truck now, and it's raining. So you'll have to go buy one for yourself. :D :D

[ June 04, 2005, 09:17 AM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

jjhoward
I do believe that you are close to being right

680.21 (A) (4) One-Family Dwellings. In the interior of one-family dwellings, or in the interior of accessory buildings associated with a one-family dwelling, any of the wiring methods recognized in Chapter 3 of this Code that comply with the provisions of this paragraph shall be permitted. Where run in a cable assembly, the equipment grounding conductor shall be permitted to be uninsulated, but it shall be enclosed within the outer sheath of the cable assembly.

680.43 (C) Wall Switches. Switches shall be located at least 1.5 m (5 ft), measured horizontally, from the inside walls of the spa or hot tub.

George
Nice try from memory but a little short unless you meant

680.42 (C) Interior Wiring to Outdoor Installations. In the interior of a one-family dwelling or in the interior of another building or structure associated with a one-family dwelling, any of the wiring methods recognized in Chapter 3 of this Code that contain a copper equipment grounding conductor that is insulated or enclosed within the outer sheath of the wiring method and not smaller than 12 AWG shall be permitted to be used for the connection to motor, heating, and control loads that are part of a self-contained spa or hot tub or a packaged spa or hot tub equipment assembly. Wiring to an underwater light shall comply with 680.23 or 680.33.

Either way, if the spa is outside it must comply to part II
:)
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

OK, Suemarkp,
680.25 applies here.
The spabox has a GFI breaker in it, so yes the conductors from the main breaker panel to the spabox are the feeders for the spa.
Conduit shall be installed.
Thank you.

Geez George a little rain and you become a hermit :) . 680.43 is for Indoor installs, this one will be outside. Looks like 680.25 dictates conduit.

Why must the feeders for a spa or a pool be run in conduit IN an unfinished basement? Is there some safety issue here? Sure, conduit outdoors but inside too? Are jboxes and splices too risky for pools and spas?
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

Originally posted by jwelectric:
George
Nice try from memory but a little short unless you meant ... 680.42 (C) Interior Wiring to Outdoor Installations.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I saw my first post again after I posted, and realized my goof. :)
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

Originally posted by jjhoward:
Looks like 680.25 dictates conduit.

Why must the feeders for a spa or a pool be run in conduit IN an unfinished basement? Is there some safety issue here? Sure, conduit outdoors but inside too? Are jboxes and splices too risky for pools and spas?
Click to expand...
That's one of the questions that I've asked myself many times. In my area, they permit NM for this, despite what 680.25 seems to say. I don't know what the special hazard is that this section is trying to mitigate.
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

Mr. Howard
If the panel at the tub has an overcurrent protective device then 680.25 (A) will apply.
Don?t forget that the panel will now be required to be bonded as outlined in 680.26.
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

I think that I will install conduit unless I can get input from the AHJ. And yes, the panel and any metal at the spa will be bonded.

George: What is BFE??

Thanks;
 
Re: Spa feed in conduit?

Ok Allen. I think I got it.
I think I have been somewhere near BFE at times. :D
 
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