ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Hydromassage Bathtubs

How close can a switch be to a Hydromassage Bathtub? Can it ever be in the space above the Tub? (2002 NEC) references please.

Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 10-18-2003).]

Bill, I don't know of any article that would specifically prohibit it. Maybe someone else knows of something.

Roger

680.72 Requires other electrical equipment located in the same room and not associated with the tub to comply with Chapters 1 through 4.

404.4 Wet Locations, would not allow the switch in the tub area, if it is considered a wet location.

It would have to be well above the water level (splashing) and no shower outlet.

Russ,
this is the kicker, another area that needs formal definiton.

Roger

Russ,

You hit upon my point of confusion. What if the Switch is associated with the Tub? 680.70 says that Hydromassage tubs are not required to comply with any other parts of 680. So where are the rules for this switch? There don't seem to be any, it doesn't seem right somehow.


Bill

Yes I agree, there seems to be a hole in the wording.
I'm not sure I've ever run into a switch on the wall, installed for a jacuzzi.
Now that I said that, it's bound to happen.

Bill - the switch is GFCI protected (680.71) - that should be adequate shouldn't it?

I'm just trying to figure out the logic of things here:

If the Switch is for the Hydromassage tub it must be GFCI protected but can go in the space over the Tub?

If the switch is not for the Tub it can go right next to it and it doesn't have to be GFCI protected.

If the Hydromassage Tub is replaced with a Hot Tub the switch must be moved 5 feet away.


Bill

From the archives:



Check the ROP for the 2005 NEC, I think something along the lines that are related to this discussion may be available.