Well people- Call me slow if you wish but I can't seem to get past the wording in 680.12 that talks about the relationship between the "Maintenance Disconnecting Means" and "....it's equipment". The '02 code says that they need to be within sight of each other and be "accessible". So, if I'm working on the motor or other equipment I have an accessible disconnect and can turn it off and work on the equipment safely. Now if this "disconnect" and it's "equipment " happen to be next to each other at a remote location as Greg says this would be code compliant. If the equipment and the disconnect are under the skirt of a spa or hot tub and tools are required to open the skirt this too, IMHO is code compliant. The disconnect mentioned in 680.12 is not the " emergency shut off" mentioned in 680.41. I know everyone doesn't agree with me on this one but that's my spin on this subject. Why would the manufacturer install a switch in the spa if it weren't for that reason?? They could save 5 bucks if they wanted to because the installer is going to install one "not less than 5 feet from the spa. duh
The '05 changed the word "accessible to "readily accessible" in this section.
Shortcircuit- be careful if your using an "Air Conditioner" type disconnect that you float the neutral if it's a 4-wire supply to the tub.
Having said all this- Yes it should be not less than 5 feet away measured horozontally.
