Does a spa require a two-pole switch within 3 ft of the access panel or do the controls act as a service shut
off?
No. Section 28 of the Code requires either a disconnecting device be located within sight and within 9m (30’) of the pump motor and controller; or that the circuit contain a lockable disconnecting device.
The manufacturer as part of the approved spa control may include a Code compliant disconnecting means. If not, a Code compliant disconnecting device shall be field installed.
Remote, extra low voltage, or pneumatic controls are not considered as Code compliant disconnecting means.
Does any outdoor electric device require a separate shut off if it has controls on it that do so?
It depends on the device (what it is) and the type of controls it has. In general any equipment containing a motor shall have disconnecting means in accordance with Rules 28-600, 28-602 and 28-
604 as summarized in answer above.
Question: Is the bond conductor in a cable assembly acceptable as complying with 68-402(3)?
Answer: Yes.
The bonding conductor shall not be smaller than the circuit conductors as per 68-402(3) and then goes on to say the bonding conductor in a cable assembly is acceptable.
Bonding conductors sized in accordance with Table 16 are acceptable and meet the intent of the code.
Pool & Spa Emergency Stop Controls
In December 2001 the Chief Coroner for Ontario issued a safety recommendation for hot tub installations within the Province of Ontario. This recommendation in part stated, “A clearly marked emergency shut-off switch, separate from the hot tub's timing device, is installed on a wall adjacent to the hot tub.”
This has raised the following questions and the answers are provided here for consistency.
Installation of an emergency stop button for an existing commercial hot tub, non-supervised location -
What is the distance from the tub to the Estop (in reach, out of reach; in site out, of site; etc)?
The location of the Estop is not Electrical Code mandated; recommend using the coroner’s letters as
guidelines, namely:
Coroner's news release: A clearly marked emergency shut-off switch, separate from the hot tub's timing device, is installed on a wall adjacent to the hot tub.
Coroner's recommended changes to Ontario Building Code: a requirement for the installation of a clearly labelled emergency stop button in close proximity to the hot tub/whirlpool/spa that, when used, will activate an audible and visual signal located by the emergency stop.
This would be accompanied by an emergency sign posted adjacent to the emergency stop button containing the words “IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PUSH EMERGENCY STOP
BUTTON AND USE EMERGENCY PHONE, AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNAL WILL
ACTIVATE.”
NOTE: Rule 68-404 requires controls for a spa or hot tub to be located behind a barrier or not less than 1 m horizontally from the spa or hot tub unless they are an integral part of an approved factory built
unit.
Is GFCI protection required if the Estop is extra low voltage, 24 vac, etc?
6.2.1. The mandatory Electrical Code GFCI requirements apply to any Estop located within 3 m of a pool or tub as per Rule 68-068(7) irrespective of voltage.
Advise the customer to use coroner's recommendation as a guideline to location and visibility of the Estop, and then apply Rule 68-068(7) to determine if GFCI protection is required.
NOTE: Where the emergency shut off switch is GFCI protected, the emergency shut off circuit shall
be connected such that tripping of the GFCI protector shall also cause the pump motor to stop.
Is an Estop for an existing public pool, supervised location permitted to be located inside the life guard control room or must it be located at the pool deck?
The Ontario Building Code Clause 1.1.3.2 defines a "public pool". Clause 3.11.10.1(12), (13), (14)
provides the requirements for Estop with the location being dependant on classification of the pool
(A or B as defined in the Building Code).
Advise the customer to seek advice from building officials for this question, as it is an OBC.
Tony Moscioni
Electrical Inspector
Electrical Safety Authority
