ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Hot Tub Connections

Now this post has no kidding around on my part. The largest maker of hot tubs has plenty of models that do not use a neutral conductor. And there is no place in the control box to land one. They are 240 volt units not 120/240. You will need to land a neutral at the disco from the source in order for the proper function of the gfi 2 pole breaker but it is clearly stated in the installation booklet to not install a neutral conductor from the disco out to the tub.

"but it is clearly stated in the installation booklet to not install a neutral conductor from the disco out to the tub."

Yes, it's time to actually read the install book (mfg instructions)

I can understand if the Hot Tub has its own control transforer for 120 volts,then a straight 240V feed, BUT if theres no control transformer & 120 volt controls then I;d say neutral is required.

I had one put in last year. 4 wire 240/120 system fed from a 240/120 50A GFCI /w neutral pigtail. Careful/proper installation now will pay off and prevent nuisance tripping on the GFCI later.

I've seen some rather confusing issues with GFCI's on tubs and spas. If the specs say 240v. then it does not require anything but two phase wires and a equipment ground wire. If the specs say 120/240v. than the circuit needs to have a grounded conductor (neutral) and two phase conductors and EGC. If the specs say 240/120v. then spa will require a 3 phase with neutral circuit w/EGC. Yes they have 3 phase equipment out there. The 3 phase equipment is European and they have a GFCI system built in that monitors each of the phases.To my knowledge they do not make a 3 phase GFCI breaker.

As for GFCI breakers, my experience is that the GFCI monitors current going out v. current coming back. All conductors go through the toroid coil, including the neutral, if the breaker has the ability to monitor the neutral the pig tail is connected to the neutral buss and if the breaker is not able to monitor the neutral you won't have a pigtail and this type of breaker would not be suitable for a spa that requires a neutral. However, A breaker that has a pigtail can be used on a "240v. only" spa and nothing needs to be connected to the neutral terminal on the breaker. The pigtail still gets connected to the neutral buss of the panel (not sure on this last point).

What have you found Greg?

In anything but commercial the normal thing I have seen was the 50a 120/240 GFCI breaker feeding the spa, usually a skid pack and an in ground spa. In some of my wife's mini mansions they had the spa integrated with the pool and there might be a couple GFCI circuits feeding this. One for the pumps and one for the 5 ton heater. The valve farm in some of these combo units looks like the plumbing on the space shuttle with a computer running a half dozen (or more) Jandy 2440 valve actuators particularly if there is also a solar array.
I have also seen "listed" self contained units that I never understood how actually got listed. Things like low voltage control panels and sound systems right in the rim of the spa. I suppose they are compliant to 680.22(D) but I am not sure why. They seem to all have early end of life failures from water intrusion.