Hot Tub Wiring Diagram

Summary: Electrical Codes and Details for Spa and Hot Tub Wiring. Essentials for your installation, including the required GFCI Ground Fault protection and circuit wire size*.
© By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Wiring Guide and Information for Hot Tubs and Spas

Electrical Wiring Video

Home Electrical Wiring Tips

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This information serves as a typical Spa or Hot Tub wiring diagram to help inform you about the process and electrical wiring components.

This article contains general information and does not focus on, or is it specific to one particular make or model. There may be variations between this information and the specific spa you choose to purchase. Please contact your spa dealer with any questions regarding your spa or see the owner’s manual.

Please take the time to read carefully all the instructions that come with your Hot Tub or Spa which are specific to your Make and Model.

When the hot tub or spa is properly installed and maintained, it will provide years of enjoyable, trouble free operation.

This information serves as a typical Spa or Hot Tub wiring diagram to help inform you about the process and electrical wiring components. This article contains general information and does not focus on, or is it specific to one particular make or model.

There may be variations between this information and the specific spa you choose to purchase. Please contact your spa dealer with any questions regarding your spa or see the owner’s manual.

Please take the time to read carefully all the instructions that come with your Hot Tub or Spa which are specific to your Make and Model. When the hot tub or spa is properly installed and maintained, it will provide years of enjoyable, trouble free operation.

Hot Tubs and Spas - NEC Electrical Codes

680.12 and 680.42 A disconnect must be installed within sight of Hot Tub.

680.44 GFCI protection is required for all Hot Tubs and spas.

680.44(A) A Packaged Hot Tub Assembly Unit with a GFCI requires a GFCI Protected Circuit.

680.71 All 125-volt receptacles not exceeding 30 amperes installed within 6 feet of the inside walls of a hydro-massage bathtub shall be GFCI protected.

NOTE: This is a partial list of electrical codes. Other codes may apply. Some codes may be updated.
See the Electrical Code area for more information: Home Electrical Codes

Electrical Considerations for Hot Tubs and Spas

Important Safety Precautions

Read the entire owner's manual, safety instructions and warning notices before operating the spa.

When installing the spa, all basic safety precautions should always be followed including the following information pertaining to electrical:

Warning: A grounding wire connector is provided on this unit to connect a minimum No. 8 AWG (8.4 mm2 solid copper conductor between this unit and any metal equipment, metal enclosures of electrical equipment, metal water pipe or conduit within 5 feet (1.5 m) of the unit.

Danger: Risk Of Electric Shock: Install the spa at least 5 feet (1.5m) from all metal surfaces. As an alternative a spa may be installed within 5 feet (1.5m) of metal surfaces if, in accordance with the National Electrical Code, each metal surface is permanently connected by a minimum No. 8 AWG (8.4 mm2) solid copper conductor to the wire connector on the terminal box that is provided for this purpose.

Danger: Risk Of Electric Shock: Do not permit any electric appliance, such as a light, hair dryer, telephone, radio, or television, within 5 feet (1.5 m) of the spa. Never operate any electrical appliances from inside the spa or while wet.

Consider a Spa or Hot Tub Equipped With Safety Devices It is a good idea to consider a hot tub or spa which is equipped with the following safety features:
Over Heat Protection- An electronic high limit switch, located in the spa water, that shuts off the heater, pumps and accessories when the water temperature exceeds 112° F (44°C). This function resets when the spa water temperature drops below 109° F (42°C).	Heater High Limit Protection- An electronic high limit switch, located on the heater barrel, which turns off the heater and low speed pump if it senses a temperature of 119°F (48°C) or greater. Power to the spa must be interrupted to reset this safety device.

Heater Dry Run Protection- A water flow sensor that prevents the heater from turning on until there is sufficient water flow.

Pump Dry Run Protection- If the pump runs for 5 minutes and flow is not detected the pump is turned off.

Smart Winter Mode- This freeze protection system will activate the jet pumps for 1 minute every 2 hours or less when the temperature in the equipment compartment drops to 55° F (12°C) or less. Once the freeze protection system has started, it will remain active for a 24-hour period.

Timeouts – The pumps, blower, & light turn off automatically after 30 minutes of operation.

When using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

Read And Follow All Instructions

1) A colored terminal or a terminal marked G, GR, Ground, Grounding, or the symbol is located inside the supply terminal box or compartment. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this terminal must be connected to the grounding means provided in the electric supply service panel with a continuous copper wire equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying this equipment.

2) At least two lugs marked "BONDING LUGS" are provided on the external surface or on the inside of the supply terminal box/compartment. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect the local common bonding grid in the area of the hot tub or spa to these terminals with an insulated or bare copper conductor not smaller than No. 6 AWG.

3) All field-installed metal components such as rails, ladders, drains or other similar hardware within 3 meters of the spa or hot tub shall be bonded to the equipment grounding bus with copper conductors not smaller than No. 6 AWG.

Installation Instructions

Read all instructions in the manual prior to having your spa installed at the selected location, whether indoors or outdoors.

Improper Installation May Result In Equipment Damage And Void The Warranty.

Please consult your spa guide for specific Surface And Pad Requirements

Electrical Installation Guidelines:

Improper Installation May Result In Equipment Damage And Void The Warranty

NOTE: Follow the instructions in the Manual that came with your ho tub or spa. Do not turn on electric power to your spa until told to do so according to the instructions in your manual.

1) Many manufacturers strongly recommend that only a licensed and bonded electrician perform the electrical installation. Improper electrical connections may damage the equipment, cause injury, cause a fire, and void your spa warranty.

2) It is the responsibility of the spa owner to ensure that a qualified electrician performs the electrical installation. This installation must be in accordance with the National Electrical Code; local and state electrical codes; and the manufacturer’s instructions.

3) Most hot tub and spa equipment has been designed to operate on 240 volts, 60 Hz alternating current electrical wiring.

4) The spa must be connected to a dedicated branch circuit.

5) The electrical supply for this spa must include a suitably rated switch or circuit breaker to open all ungrounded supply conductors to comply with Section 422-20 of the National Electric Code (NEC).
A disconnect switch must be located where visible, not less than 5 feet from the spa and not to exceed 50 feet from the spa. This requirement may be filled with the GFCI circuit breaker and sub-panel.

6) The electrical circuit to the spa must include a Class A type Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) as required by the NEC for the electrical-wiring.

7) All supply wires must be copper and rated at a minimum 194°F (90°C).

8) Input Power Wiring and Circuit Breaker Selection:

Important Information Regarding Electrical Installation!

Mode Selecting Jumpers:

As shown in the tables below, some makes and models of hot tubs and spas come with a jumper in the equipment control box that configures the Mode of Operation. Here is a typical scenario when a hot tub or spa uses this feature - In the HC Mode the heater will operate with two pumps operative. In the LC Mode the heater turns off if either pump is in high speed or if the blower is turned on.

		H C Mode
Equipment type	Electrical Rating	Branch Circuit	Circuit Breaker	Wire Size
1 pump	240V 32A	3 Wire + ground	40A*	#8 AWG
1 pump with blower	240V 40A	3 Wire + ground	50A*	#6 AWG
2 pumps	240V 45A	3 Wire + ground	60A*	#6 AWG
2 pumps with blower	240V 45A	3 Wire + ground	60A*	#6 AWG
3 pumps	240V 45A	3 Wire + ground	60A*	#6 AWG

		L C Mode
Equipment type	Electrical Rating	Branch Circuit	Circuit Breaker	Wire Size
1 pump	240V 24A	3 Wire + ground	30A*	#10 AWG
1 pump with blower	240V 24A	3 Wire + ground	30A*	#10 AWG
2 pumps	240V 32A	3 Wire + ground	40A*	#8 AWG
2 pumps with blower	240V 32A	3 Wire + ground	40A*	#8 AWG
3 pumps	240V 32A	3 Wire + ground	40A*	#8 AWG

Note: *Circuit breaker amperages may vary according to the area of installation. Please check local electrical codes for electrical wiring and to verify requirements and assure compliance. Spas purchased not fully equipped may operate at a reduced total amp rating thus allowing installation of a lower rated GFCI circuit breaker and service installation. Please be aware that the Min. Wire Size does not account for the distance of electrical wiring run to the spa from the service input.

Only a licensed electrician should size and install the electrical connections to the Spa.

The Equipment Type column does not include the circulation pump

General Procedure and Instructions to hook-up your spa:

1) Remove the screws holding the equipment access panel to the front of the spa cabinet and set the panel aside.

2) Loosen the 2 screws on the bottom front of the blue, equipment control enclosure.

3) Use ¾“ flexible, non-metallic conduit for a spa requiring #10 AWG or #8 AWG wire or 1” flexible non-metallic conduit for a spa requiring #6 AWG wire. Run the conduit from the power source to the spa, through the hole in the left or right front corner and into the equipment control box.

4) After pulling all four wires through the conduit and into the equipment control box, connect them to the proper terminals as indicated by the wiring diagram on the lid of the equipment control box.

5) Configure the jumpers to the correct position as indicated by the wiring diagram on the lid of the equipment control box. Make sure the wires are properly tightened.

6) Close the lid on the equipment control box and secure with screws. 7) Electrical hook-up is now complete. Do not replace the equipment door yet.

Electrical Troubleshooting
Refer to the manufacture of your hot tub or spa for specific information.

Example of a Hot Tub Wiring Diagram

Enlarged section below shows wiring connection terminals.

* PLEASE NOTE: This may not be an exhaustive list of devices, circuits or electrical codes. Plan your electrical project with your local building department who will make sure to include all applicable national and local codes that will apply to your project for your area. Obtaining a building permit and having the work inspected is essential for all home projects.

More about Wiring a Hot Tub

Discussions about Wiring a Hot Tub

Installing 220V to a Spa

Tony asks:
I've heard more than once, that one must install a GFI Box, close to the spa, then it should run to the electrical panel box.
What is your take on this, since I have to pump motors?
Tony

Dave's Answer:
Yes Tony, that is correct.
The NEC code states that the disconnect must be within sight of the hot tub or spa. Additionally, all the equipment that is associated with the hot tub or spa must be protected by GFI, as your inspector will be sure to point out.

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Hot Tub Circuit Wiring Requirements

When installing the Electrical Circuit Wiring for a Hot Tub it is very important to select the right cable and to make sure it is properly grounded with GFCI protection.

See More about Wiring a Hot Tub.

Questions about Wiring Hot Tubs

Question from Randy, a Handyman in Trinidad, Colorado:
Is it up to the Electrical Code and Safe to Splice Hot Tub Wires?

I’m replacing my old hot tub with a newer hot tub. I have a GFCI breaker in my main panel going to direct burial wire under ground to a quick disconnect box then out of there to my hot tub. When I got my new tub the wires ended up being to short so I spliced them with a heat shrink splicing kit inside the hot tub cabinet then to the control panel I used 6 gauge wire for all the connections. Is it up to code and safe to leave the splice where it is?

Dave’s Answer:
Splicing Electrical Wires inside a Hot Tub

Electrical wires may be spliced inside a hot tub cabinet as long as the wires and connections are contained inside an approved electrical box. The electrical box must be securely mounted and accessible and have a cover plate. The additional length of wires or cable must match the same size and type of the original circuit.

Question from David, a Homeowner in Ocala, Florida:
Does a Hot Tub Need a 120Volt or 220Volt Circuit?

I was given a hot tub. The casing for the prongs on the power cord says 125v 20amp on it. I had a 110v outlet put in on a 20 amp breaker. I turned the pump on and it ran for about 20 minutes and then began shutting off. It was then running for a few seconds and shutting off for a few seconds. I felt the pump and it was very hot. I unplugged the unit and took the casing off the pump and saw that there are four wires going into the pump from the power cord. Does this mean it should be going to a 220v outlet and is this the cause of the malfunction?

Dave’s Answer:
Hot Tub Circuit Requirements

Hot Hubs are available in many sizes and with several optional features, therefore the circuit requirements must be identified for each unit. Hot Tubs typically come with an Installation Manual and an Owners Manual which will specify the necessary circuit requirements.

Question from Dave, a Homeowner in Dallas, Texas:
How do I Disconnect the Power to an Old Spa So I Don’t Get Shocked?

We have a spa with 220 service running from a separate breaker to an old spa that I am removing. If I turn off the circuit break to kill the power to the spa motor is there anyway I could still get a shock while disconnecting the electrical wires that run to the spa motor?

Dave’s Answer:
Disconnecting the Electrical Power to an Old Spa

To avoid getting shocked when disconnecting the wiring to a spa locate the circuit breaker that provides the power to the spa and switch the circuit breaker into the OFF position. The circuit breaker for a spa is typically located and labeled at the main electric panel or a sub panel. Once the circuit breaker has been shut off make sure to post a notice on the panel that the spa circuit should remain in the OFF position. The electrical wires to the old spa should be removed completely, or back to a part of the circuit wiring where an electrical box may be properly installed containing the wiring which is then capped off and insulated. A blank cover should then be placed over the electrical box.

Question from Joe, an Electrician in Kelowna, Canada:
Will incorrect wiring to a GFCI cause the breaker to go bad?

I am connecting a GFCI to a hot tub that has no neutral terminal. The DIY homeowner connected the hot to the output of the GFCI. After reconnecting it the proper way the test button does not trip the breaker. Could the reverse hook up have damaged the breaker? In a no neutral load hook up the pig tail GFCI is connected to the neutral lug with the line
side neutral, correct?

Dave’s Answer:
Wiring a Hot Tub GFCI Circuit Breaker

The GFCI breaker may have been damaged, however further testing may be conducted to be sure.
For proper connection of the GFCI breaker please refer to the installation manual. Typically with load or without, the neutrals may be connected to the load side of the GFCI breaker.

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Home Wiring Book: A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians Includes: Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room - Fully Illustrated Wiring 120 and 240 Volt Circuits Wiring Main Service Panels - Underground and Overhead Grounding and Bonding the Home Electrical System 55 Electrical Code Topics 6 Most Commonly Used Code Tables 11 Home Wiring Plans Over 370 Photos 28 Wiring Diagrams and Illustrations Wiring Methods and Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

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hot tub - 1576

Hot Tub Wiring Diagram

Electrical Wiring Guide and Information for Hot Tubs and Spas

Electrical Wiring Video

Home Electrical Wiring Tips

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos

Will Display at the End of This Video

So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Check out my YouTube Channel: » AskTheElectrician « and Subscribe!

Hot Tubs and Spas - NEC Electrical Codes

Example of a Hot Tub Wiring Diagram

More about Wiring a Hot Tub

Discussions about Wiring a Hot Tub

Installing 220V to a Spa

Questions about Wiring Hot Tubs

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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