Used 1996 Cal Spa hot tub/installation

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subman

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I was recently called to give an estimate on installing a used 1996 Cal Spa hot tub. It will be installed on a concrete patio, next to the home. I haven't installed a hot tub in a while so I want to double check. The NEC 2014 680.26 (B) says the following:

Equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces in accordance with 680.26(B)(2) shall not be required to be provided for spas and hot tubs where all of the following conditions apply:

?The spa or hot tub shall be listed as a self-contained spa for aboveground use.
?The spa or hot tub shall not be identified as suitable only for indoor use.
?The installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer?s instructions and shall be located on or above grade.
?The top rim of the spa or hot tub shall be at least 710 mm (28 in.) above all perimeter surfaces that are within 760 mm (30 in.), measured horizontally from the spa or hot tub. The height of nonconductive external steps for entry to or exit from the self-contained spa shall not be used to reduce or increase this rim height measurement.


So I'm I right in thinking that since this is a self-contained spa, equipotential bonding is not required?

Also, I'm a little afraid of installing a unit built in 1996. Fear there is a ton of things that could go wrong with that that I will be blamed for. How many of you would take on this task?

Thanks ahead of time for your responses and help. I appreciate it.
 
You read that correctly as long as the distance of 28" or more is maintained then no equipotential bonding is required.
 
subman said:
Also, I'm a little afraid of installing a unit built in 1996. Fear there is a ton of things that could go wrong with that that I will be blamed for. How many of you would take on this task?

Thanks ahead of time for your responses and help. I appreciate it.
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This is where you need to know the client and explain thoroughly the situation. You cannot guarantee anything other than having the appropriate power supply at the tub. The rest is their problem.
 
subman said:
...
Also, I'm a little afraid of installing a unit built in 1996. Fear there is a ton of things that could go wrong with that that I will be blamed for. How many of you would take on this task?

...
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Would I turn down the money? No. Can I think of any way to provide a written contract such that my ass was covered? No. I am pretty sure were my inspector to visit the site that he would have strong concern as to the date on the equipment tag. Were the equipment to be 'existing' however:angel:
 
subman said:
where all of the following conditions apply:

?The spa or hot tub shall be listed as a self-contained spa for above ground use.
?The spa or hot tub shall not be identified as suitable only for indoor use.
?The installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer?s instructions and shall be located on or above grade.
?The top rim of the spa or hot tub shall be at least 710 mm (28 in.) above all perimeter surfaces that are within 760 mm (30 in.), measured horizontally from the spa or hot tub. The height of non-conductive external steps for entry to or exit from the self-contained spa shall not be used to reduce or increase this rim height measurement.
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Make sure you have supporting documents and/or the owner's manual in case the EI asks for it. Irrespective of whether the tub looks like it was designed for outdoor use he may ask you to provide proof that it was designed as such.
So I'm I right in thinking that since this is a self-contained spa, equi-potential bonding is not required?
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I believe you are correct as long as you have the supporting documents.
Also, I'm a little afraid of installing a unit built in 1996. Fear there is a ton of things that could go wrong with that that I will be blamed for. How many of you would take on this task?

Thanks ahead of time for your responses and help. I appreciate it.
Click to expand...
I would do the installation as long as the HO knows that you are doing the electrical installation in accordance with NEC guidelines and that you are not responsible for the proper operation of the spa tub. Ask if the tub was functioning properly before it is installed in the new location. If you have any doubts about the installation check with the EI before taking your tools off the truck.
 
Thanks for the help guys. Another question:

If it turns out that I have to provide Equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces in accordance with 680.26(B)(2),
whats the best way to do that? The hot tub will be placed on a concrete patio, next to the house.

Other that chipping away at the concrete, I cant think of any other way.

Again, your help is appreciated.
 
so follow-up on this line of installs. if the concrete pad is 18" below grade, does NEC require the pad itself and the block walls should have metal mesh/bar bonded? or does it only apply to where people's feet touch the ground?
 
A 1996 Cal Spa should have a metal equipment base inside the cabinet that bonds all the dedicated hot tub equipment. It should also have bond wires connecting everything inside the cabinet.

I've never seen a portable tub bonded to 'perimeter surfaces' like concrete.

In a portable (acrylic/fiberglass) hot tub, the water is not in contact with a 'conductive pool shell'. It's more like an electrically insulated water tank than a pool.

I have seen metal surfaces near the tub (such as a wrought iron railing bolted to the concrete) bonded to the ground lug on the side of the control box. (680.26 (B) (5) metal fittings.)

680.42 (Here in CA anyway) seems to have an exception for 'outdoor hot tubs' but it doesn't specifically address 'packaged units' or factory-built tubs which are more like appliances than a field assembled in-ground or in-deck hot tub.

680.42 Outdoor Installations. A spa or hot tub installed outdoors shall comply with the provisions of Parts I and II of this article, except as permitted in 680.42(A) and (B), that would otherwise apply to pools installed outdoors.

B. Bonding. Bonding by metal-to-metal mounting on a common frame or base shall be permitted. The metal bands or hoops used to secure wooden staves shall not be required to be bonded as required in 680.26.

Here is the owner's manual if that helps any: http://calspas.com/downloads/manuals/1985-1996/1996_06_01_manuals_Spa_portable.pdf

"A wire connector is provided on 220 Volt units to connect a minimum No. 8 AWG solid copper-conductor between this unit and any metal equipment, metal enclosures of electrical equipment, metal water pipe or conduit within 5 ft of the unit."
 
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