Steam Shower circuit

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TedB

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The other day, I was asked to determine why the breaker for a recently installed combination whirlpool tub and steam shower unit was tripping within a minute or so of activating the steam function. I took an amp reading at the 20 amp breaker that was tripping. It was drawing 1.7 amps with only the lights on. When the steam function was activated, the load became 28 amps. I asked the homeowner for documentation on the unit. The installation guide shows, the steam generator is rated at 3kw. I told the homeowner, this requires a 30a circuit. Upon examination I found that there was a factory attached cord & plug. The cord was 12awg and the plug was a standard 15a blade configuration. I am reluctant to run a 30a circuit to plug this steam unit into. Opinions please :confused:
 
TedB said:
Upon examination I found that there was a factory attached cord & plug. The cord was 12awg and the plug was a standard 15a blade configuration.
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I can't say that I've ever seen a combination unit like this one you described but typically, these steam units require a 30 amp, 240 volt circuit and a disconnect means. If there's a linen closet adjacent to the shower unit that's usually a great place to install an 30 amp, (fused or non-fused) pull-out. I find it hard to believe that this unit came shipped with a 15 amp "factory installed" cord and plug. This sounds like "homeowner intervention".:-?
I am reluctant to run a 30a circuit to plug this steam unit into. Opinions please
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Don't be reluctant. If you're hired to make corrections to this mess do some more research on the unit, make calls to the factory, etc. Then, make the installation correct, remove the cord and plug and wire the unit direct to the disconnect. Just curious, what voltage/amperage does the whirlpool section work on?
 
I have never seen a combo unit either. I did a search- they exist

200606300033592258.jpg
 
The one pictured above comes from this site and is a 3kw unit but it is 220 volts and is from the UK. Is this product UL or some other 3rd party listed.
 
Someone needs to call the manufacturer to see if the information in the guide and the plug configuration are correct. Was this a 120 volt circuit?
 
infinity said:
Someone needs to call the manufacturer to see if the information in the guide and the plug configuration are correct. Was this a 120 volt circuit?
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BIngo, Never hesitate to contact the manufacture, they are their to help. BUT be prepared for voice mail tag.
 
I wired a steam/shower unit that looks similar to the brand Dennis posted. Absolute piece of crapola. The manual was a loose interpretation of "English" at best. The specs in the book did not match the nameplate on the unit which resulted in it being wired twice. If the thing lasts for a year I'll be surprised.
 
ItsHot said:
You can't rely on manufacturer's to get it right! Just ask anyone that had their home burn down due to the Maytag refrigerator!
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I am calling manufactures weekly 99% of the time they are a MAJOR assistance. I am no brain by any stretch of the imagination. BUT many times I am paid for solving complicated issues when the on site EC could not resolve a problem. When I am asked how I know so much I explain I can read and know who to call.

I would call the manufacture for an explanation.
 
good point

good point

brian john said:
I am calling manufactures weekly 99% of the time they are a MAJOR assistance. I am no brain by any stretch of the imagination. BUT many times I am paid for solving complicated issues when the on site EC could not resolve a problem. When I am asked how I know so much I explain I can read and know who to call.

I would call the manufacture for an explanation.
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Good point! My point was that there is a lot of "junk" being sold out there!
 
infinity said:
Someone needs to call the manufacturer to see if the information in the guide and the plug configuration are correct. Was this a 120 volt circuit?
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This is exactly the direction I am going.

Yes, an indication to connect the unit to 120 volts was listed on a page with rather limited information for the electrical system. There was a tag on the steam system cord indicating connection to 120 volts only.
 
This reminds me when I called the manufacturer over their 'door equipment circuit boards'. One of the techs I talked to did not know enough about the equipment to really help me even though he tried (even had me doing some 'wrong things that could have shorted the board'). Told me to wait till the ther other 'tech' got back, he was out sick that day.

Talked to the 'other tech' the next day, and we solved the problem. I told him they need to train their other staff on the this stuff since they are the 'manufacturer'. So yes sometimes the manufacturer is no help, other times they are alot help. just depends on who you talked with.
 
I think someone reached into the wrong bin of 'Across the pond' - 'Americano' plugs. Worse yet - the installer did not catch the red flag of 3kw at 120.
 
It's also possible that the 3kw rating is at 240v, but the unit is set up for 120v and, like a convertible spa, runs at lower power at the lower voltage, meaning it's only 0.75kw at 120v.
 
LarryFine said:
It's also possible that the 3kw rating is at 240v, but the unit is set up for 120v and, like a convertible spa, runs at lower power at the lower voltage, meaning it's only 0.75kw at 120v.
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I agree and that's why I asked what the voltage rating was. I installed a tub a few years ago that you supply either a 120 volt or 240 volt heater connection. The 120 volt setup used a 120 volt 15 amp circuit, the 240 volt setup a 30 amp 240 volt circuit. You could use it either way just would get 1/4 the output on 120 volts through the same heating coil.
 
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