Spa Light & Recept - ECN Electrical Forums

Wiring an outdoor spa with an enclosed Gazaebo around it and unclear at the distances for the GFI protected light (using GFI breaker) over head and recept on the wall. Checking the code, looks to be 5 feet form waters edge on the recept and 7"6" for the light unless a weatherproof light is used.
Any clearer answers to this?
Thx,
Al D

AHJ in one of the counties I work in says a Gazebo is still an Outdoor installation

This one is completely enclosed from the weather and has a sliding door.

Al,

This may be a good question for your local AHJ.

My understanding is:
If it's considered inside and the fixtures will be less than 7'6" above Tub they have to be GFCI protected and Non-Metallic (or Metallic isolated from contact) per 680.43(B)(1)(c)(2)

Note that the 7'6" is the height above Maximum Water Level, not from the floor.

Bill

So, 5 ft from the waters edge above should be ok as long as it is GFI protected and non-metallic, assuming the gazebo is weather tite. Liquid-tite and plastic boxes should work, correct?
We don't get much rain here in AZ anyway.

Quote

NEC 2002 IV. Spas and Hot Tubs 680.43 Indoor Installations.
(c) Below 2.3 m (7 ft 6 in.). Luminaires (lighting fixtures) meeting the requirements of item (1) or (2) and protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be permitted to be installed less than 2.3 m (7 ft 6 in.) over a spa or hot tub.
(1) Recessed luminaires (fixtures) with a glass or plastic lens, nonmetallic or electrically isolated metal trim, and suitable for use in damp locations
(2) Surface-mounted luminaires (fixtures) with a glass or plastic globe, a nonmetallic body, or a metallic body isolated from contact, and suitable for use in damp locations.

Hope this helps.
Dave

It says the fixture must be non-metallic, does that mean I can't run BX cable or flexible conduit to it?

I would submit that an enclosed hot tub is a wet location, just as if it were outside, in the open. I say this because a hot tub is, well, hot, and the hot water will condense on everything- including the inside of your fixtures.