Bathroom Renovation, separate outlet for whirlpool tub?

ControlTech

I am currently doing a bathroom renovation that includes installation of a 'jacuzzi' whirlpool tub (7.6A on pump nameplate). I have one power feed that goes to the wall switch then up to the overhead light. I plan on running a new 20A feed to two two-gang boxes. One will house an GFI outlet and switch (maybe dimmer) feeding two overhead recessed lights. The other will have an outlet (fed from the first box) and maybe a second outlet for a night light or scented oil thingy.

My question is whether or not I need a separate feed for the tub by code, or is it OK if the total expected amperage is less than 20A. I'm leaning toward a dedicated outlet but may run out of room in the service panel.

Thanks
Eric

Speedy Petey

If the amperage of the tub is 10A or more than it cannot be on with a receptacle or lighting circuit.
There is a rule that a fixed in place appliance cannot draw more than 50% of the load of a circuit shared with a general use circuit.

Even at 7 amps I would still dedicate it.

ControlTech

Good answer, I would have done that (run a dedicated circuit), but was unsure if I would have to. Thanks for the explanation on the 50% load rule, I will keep that in mind for the future.

ControlTech

If I was to run a MWBC, the UNDER 50% load rule would be satisfied - would it not?

The first circuit would be 20A dedicated for the overhead lights (2) and outlets

The second circuit would be the whirlpool tub pump at 7.5A (less than 50% of the total circuit load for a permanent device)

The neutral would only share the difference....

Sounds about right?

P.S. it is 12/3 wire

Jim Port

The installation instructions will probably call for a dedicated circuit. Does this tub also have a heater?

Don't forget to install the GFI protection. I use a faceless GFI on the wall in the bathroom.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

Michael Thomas

The manufacture’s installations instructions for every residential jetted hydro-massage tub I’ve seen calls for a dedicated GFCI protected circuit, for example here are the Jacuzzi specs:



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ControlTech

After giving it some more thought, I am just going to run 12/4 so that there is a separate neutral for the tub. This way, it is a completely dedicated circuit, although it is in the same (AC/MC) cable. I AM going to install GFCI outlets (for both the sinks and the tub), I was just trying to save on running multiple cables to the breaker panel. I AM also installing TWO separate breakers, that would only have been a double breaker anyway if I had left it in a MWBC arrangement.

Thanks for all the input guys!

xxPaulCPxx

Don't do a GCFI outlet for the tub, make it a GCFI breaker. Otherwise you will have to open up the service panel to access the outlet if the breaker ever trips, which would probably be a bigger PITA than just flipping the breaker at the service panel.

ControlTech

Excellent idea, glad I thought of it


Only kidding....
Thanks

Jim Port

IIRC the way it was explained to me, 680.12 would prevent the receptacle under the skirt from being the maintenance disconnect. Removal of the skirt is not considered readily accessible. The speaker said a faceless GFI on the wall would satisfy this. A GFI breaker would still require a disconnect within sight.

__________________
Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.