NECA QOD | Hot Tub Feeder and Branch Circuit
NECA National Electrical Code Questions - Hot Tub Question
Hot Tub Question and NECA Question of the Day Response
Back in the early 80s I used to follow a gentleman named Charles Trout. Charlie, as he became known to me as we developed a friendship, was a well-known electrical code expert and author for Electrical Contractor Magazine from 2009 to 2013. However, most folks remember “Charlie” as the face behind the widely popular blog “NECA Question of the Day” found HERE which grew in popularity over the years. While Charlie passed away in 2015, the legacy of his work continues on at NECA as the Question of the Day e-mail subscription and blog have become a staple for most morning coffee lessons.
However, from time to time the questions and answers could use some additional “clarification” for the reader. Here is one case we will discuss.
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
I would be remiss if I didn’t inform you that this and other electrical topics are covered in our Fast Trax® Black Course. If any of this was confusing to you then we highly encourage you to join our family and become a Fast Trax® Member today. CLICK HERE to join.
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Tag:branch circuits, feeders, GFCI, hot tubs, spas
CEO and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc. A Texas Corporation located in McKinney, Texas.
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