Spa Installation

[Sparky555]

I'm installing 50-amp 240-volt wiring to a spa. It is located a foot from the house in a square recessed area so it doesn't extend beyond the general side of the house. Six feet from that side of the house is an in ground pool which goes across the area of the spa recessed area. In a meeting between the AHJ and the owner, the inspector stated that the spa disconnect could be located on a post that is 5' from the spa but only 3' from the in ground pool. In a quick read of 2011 NEC I read about outlets not being allowed in that space but no mention of electrical equipment such as a disconnect. Is this disconnect location in violation?

 

[augie47]

I would think 680.26 would require it to be bonded to the pool equipotential bond grid.

 

[JFletcher]

The hot tub disco within 3' of the pool is most likely a violation of 680.12 unless there is a fence or other barrier that effectively gives you 5'+. 680.6 seems to indicate that any electrical eqpt within 5' must be grounded, and since the disco is for the spa and not the pool, it may be allowed. But I see no reason to have the 5' rule for discos if other electrical equipment can be within 5' of the water's edge. I wouldnt allow it without a permanent barrier (which would probably hinder sight and still be a violation) if for no other reason than someone may mistake the spa disco for the pool disco.

680.24, enclosures for GFCI, could also apply, and since most spa discos are 50 or 60A GFCI breakers, that section limits them to 4' from the water's edge, 680.24(B)(2)(b). If that section is still as-written in your code cycle as it is in the 2008 NEC, that would be a violation imo (if a GFCI disco is used)

All references 2008 NEC.

 

[Sparky555]

Thanks for the information. It looks like this can be a compliant installation with a barrier and proper grounding and bonding.