NECA QOD | Hot Tub Feeder and Branch Circuit

So, as you can see in the NECA Response, which is 100% accurate, you have a feeder to the remote distribution panel, and from there to the hot tub you have a branch circuit.

This is a great example of where communication, via email preferred, to the manufacturer can clear up a lot and save your customers from a potential warranty nightmare later.

For example, based on the wording presented by “Mark” in his opening statement the manufacturer did not stipulate a feeder or branch circuit. Technically speaking, the entire circuit, feeder, and branch are for “their spa” and could be argued the 6 AWG CU minimum as demanded by the manufacturer be applied. Now, that’s a bit “RIGID” of an interpretation but plausible.

In fact, as someone that works for a manufacturer, I can tell you those ambiguous sentences in the installation guide can get codes and standards-savvy manufacturers out of a warranty claim simply by spinning the words in their favor.

Now, if it had expressly said branch circuit to the spa/hot tub then that’s easy, only the portion from the final overcurrent protective device to the spa/hot tub is required to meet their instructions.

Playing devil’s advocate, of course, the remote distribution panel could be existing, already supplied with an 8 AWG CU and you are simply installing a branch circuit thus using 6 AWG Cu from the GFCI OCPD to the hot tub would be compliant and I believe that is what NECA is saying in their response.

The moral here, and the reason for this article is to always reach out to the manufacturer when you see ambiguous statements as part of the installation instructions, ask for clarification, and if at all possible get it in written form, say via email. Should you ever need to verify proof of the conversation down the road.

In conclusion, it should be said that we LOVE the NECA Question of the Day Series and highly recommend everyone who has an interest in the National Electrical Code join the free subscription to their article. Here is a link to get signed up and start learning more about the National Electrical Code- https://neca-neis.org/code-question-of-the-day

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