Whirlpool Tubs

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ronmath

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Burnsville, MN
I'm installing a whirlpool tub in my house and to my surprise, it came with a cord and plug. A separate heater also had a cord and plug. How is this typically installed to comply with 400.8(5)?

Thanks
 
Simple you install a GFCI protected outlet within reach of the cord and in an accessable area. You may need 2 circuits if the heater requires a dedicated unit.

Most spa tubs are like this. I have not installed a hardwired unit in many years. Be sure to make a ground connection if required.
 
I understand that is how it may be installed, I'm just not sure it meets code.
So you are saying, as long as there is an access panel that you meet 400.8? Why couldn't you use that argument above an accessible ceiling which is not allowed? If you do put the receptacle outside the tub area, then how do you comply with 400.8 (2)? This tub has walls on three sides.

Does this fall under 400.7(8) which makes it ok?
 
680.73 supports the accessibility Sierrasparkey referenced.\
The same argument doesn't apply to suspended ceilings as cords there are specifically prohibited all together. With walls, cords are prohibited when concelaed.
IMO, if you ran the cord thru a hole in the wall, it would be a violation of (2)
400.7 (A)(8) is the reference tnat allows the cords in the 1st place.
 
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I would argue that 680.73 says nothing about cords in concealed locations, just access to the equipment, however I may have talked myself into 400.7(8)!
Unless someone has another or conflicting point of view, I'm going with that.
 
I am assuming this is a hydromassage tub so the GFCI must be readily accessible. Usually I install a dead front gfci on the wall and install a standard outlet ubder the tub.
 
ronmath said:
I would argue that 680.73 says nothing about cords in concealed locations, just access to the equipment, however I may have talked myself into 400.7(8)!
Unless someone has another or conflicting point of view, I'm going with that.
Click to expand...

680.73 says the equipment must be accessible thus not "concealed" per NEC definition of concealed. If the electrical equipmemt is not concealed, the cords are not concealed and therfore not violation of 400.(8)(5) so 400.7(8) allows the install.
 
Ronmath,

Why the big concern is the building dept giving you a hard time with this?
This is the way it has been done for years. it is code compliant also.
I do as augie does with using a regular outlet at the tub and a Deadfront GFCI near the light switch or some other practical area. Sometimes I use a GFC breaker. The one thing you don't want is the customer hunting for the reset button.
 
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