Hot Tub Wiring

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DonL

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It should be on a ground fault interrupt.


DonL
 
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DonL

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Mixing conductor sizes and colors may be a problem, the ground wire can be smaller, but the other current conductors need to be the same size.

I hope your project works well.

Be careful playing with electricity...

DonL
 
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Jim Port

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I would not change to a smaller size neutral. Some tubs also call for a ground the same size as the other conductors.
 

ActionDave

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What is the correct Romexâ„¢ wire?

edit: I looked it up, and I still think it's going to be cheaper to get the cables and run them through PVC Conduit. I can get 6AWG red/blk for $63/100ft, and 8AWG wht for something like $40/100ft, and 12AWG grn/yllw for $30/100ft. Add that to the conduit that I should be able to get under $100, and I can probably run it all for under $300. For $100 ft of 6/3 romex, it runs around that same cost, and my electrician still wants THHW for the outside connection from the disconnect box, to run in EMT conduit.

What size breaker are you tying the 6AWG to? I would guess either a fifty or forty amp breaker. That would mean you would need at least a 10AWG green.

Jim Port correctly states that some manufactures, a lot actually, want a full size neutral and ground. Check your instructions.
 

JWelectric

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Don’t make this more than it has to be.

Install #4 SE-R al. to the disconnect located on the outside wall and then flex and THW cu. conductors to the tub.
 

DonL

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I am glad you stopped by JW,

I don't think that his friend needs to be thrown under the bus, he is trying to help out.

And aopainter just wants help, not BS.


Thank You...
 

ActionDave

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It's a 60 amp Disconnect panel
10AWG copper will work for an equipment ground up to sixty amp.
Don’t make this more than it has to be.

Install #4 SE-R al. to the disconnect located on the outside wall and then flex and THW cu. conductors to the tub.
This is another way to skin your cat and would most likely be more economical.
 

Aopainter

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I can't find this cable anywhere online to know what it looks like. I'm going down to the electrical wire store today, so I'll ask about that wire. I was able to get about 90ft of PVC conduit for $17, so i'm going to put that in the attic
 

DonL

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Save some conduit for exposed wire outside...

What wire can you not find ?
 
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Aopainter

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I bought 20ft of EMT conduit for the outside. But the wire I cant find online is "#4 SE-R al." And thats 4AWG right? Do I need 4AWG, i thought 6AWG was what I wanted
 

DonL

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I bought 20ft of EMT conduit for the outside. But the wire I cant find online is "#4 SE-R al." And thats 4AWG right? Do I need 4AWG, i thought 6AWG was what I wanted

If you are putting in a 60 amp service, then you may need #4.

You might want to see what your current requirements are, and that will determine the breaker and wires size.

The length does play into the equation, But code seems to play different, That depends on local codes.

Maybe your friend could make sure that you can meet your code. He should know the requirements.
 

JWelectric

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#4 American Wire Gauge aluminum Service Entrance four conductor cable is good for 50 amps. It does not need to be installed in a conduit. Lowe’s or Home Depot will cut to length or any electrical supply house.

Electrical Metallic Tubing is a bad idea to use for the final connection to the hot tub as the chemicals used in the tub will cause it to rust. Non-Metallic Flex is a better idea for the final run of copper THW conductors.

Take you age and multiply it by 10 and you haven’t come close to the number of these tubs I have installed in my life time so listen to experience.
 

Jim Port

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The SER cannot be used for the exterior portions to feed the hot tub. The grounding conductor needs to be insulated.

There is a 6' limit on the flex to feed the tub.
 
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DonL

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JW is correct, old farts know some stuff.....
Just meet your local code... And get it done...
 
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