Need 220 for Hot Tub Wiring

hoethre3 · 04-25-2011, 11:33 AM

Hello All,

first, let me state that I am NOT an electrician by any stretch of imagaination but I do have basic understanding of what is needed. Here is my current problem.

I am moving into an older home that currently has 100 amp service. The main panel is located in a back bedroom and the meter is mounted to the house on the outside wall in the same location. The service panel is small and is completely filled. Not the issue since I know I need 220 for the hot tub and this panel cannot provide it. Unfortunately the final resting place for the hot tub is on the OPPOSITE side of the house so I need to figure a way to get service from this panel to the hot tub location. There is no crawl space nor is there attic space to run wiring. So here are some questions.

1) will the power company have to make any changes to the existing drop?
2) can I install a sub-panel to gain the additional amps needed and not have to replace the existing 100 amp panel?
3) what method would you recommend to get a line from the existing panel around the house to the hot tub location?
4) if I am facing the cost of replacing the existing 100 amp panel with a 200 amp panel, would it be less expensive to just have the power company just drop me a completely separate service (with a meter) to the hot tub location?

It is being suggested to me that I am probably looking at anywhere from $800 to $1000 to just upgrade the existing 100 amp panel to 200 am service and then probably another $1000 or more to get the hot tub wired up from the upgraded service. I need to find a less expensive method if one is possible.

Really appreciate any advice here. Many thanks!

J. V. · 04-25-2011, 11:45 AM

1) Maybe. They have their own rules.
2) Maybe. It is advisable to upgrade your service as the tub will use 2 slots (whats the current) and you must consider future needs.
3) Sounds like your only choice is to dig a trench from the panel to the tub. If you upgrade the service, move it close to where the tub is if you can.
4) No. A new meter and service for a tub alone would be a waste of money and time. Besides, I doubt the POCO would provide a separate service for a hot tub.

Cannot help on price as every area has differing costs. I would get three opinions and estimates from professional electrical services for the main service upgrade and connecting the tub safely. Tubs are a big deal and must be addressed as such.

frenchelectrican · 04-26-2011, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoethre3

Hello All,

1) will the power company have to make any changes to the existing drop?

A. It depending on the POCO regulation and how well the exsting service drop is and may have to move to diffrent location or height or both again the POCO have final shot on this one so check with them.

2) can I install a sub-panel to gain the additional amps needed and not have to replace the existing 100 amp panel?
A. The best answer is do the load demand caluations to make sure if this exsting service can handle it or not. If not will have to bump up to 200 amp servicé.

3) what method would you recommend to get a line from the existing panel around the house to the hot tub location?
A. The best way is trench it but before you actually do the trenching make sure you call the digger hotline or simauir to make sure there is no other ulities in the way and from the panel to the spa or hot tub it have to be PVC no UF cable on this part it is very specfic in the NEC{ National Electrical Code}also no bare grounding conductor as well.

4) if I am facing the cost of replacing the existing 100 amp panel with a 200 amp panel, would it be less expensive to just have the power company just drop me a completely separate service (with a meter) to the hot tub location?
A. I don't think it will really justify the cost for this set up and you will end up pay second meter for it. It is cheaper just upgrade to 200 amp service that will cover majorty of the items for common size house few case may have to use 400 A service

It is being suggested to me that I am probably looking at anywhere from $800 to $1000 to just upgrade the existing 100 amp panel to 200 am service and then probably another $1000 or more to get the hot tub wired up from the upgraded service. I need to find a less expensive method if one is possible.

The best answer is run the quoteation or bidding from 3 diffrent electrical contractors and watch the specs when they write up and the cost will varies a bit depending on location and the contractor itself.

Really appreciate any advice here. Many thanks!

My answer is typed in bold bleu so you will know where I stand with it.

And you may want to look up in the NEC code section related to the hot tubs or spa they have few items to follow and it is very specfic and also make sure this circuit is GFCI protected.

Merci,
Marc

Speedy Petey · 04-26-2011, 06:52 AM

1) That's up to them. You need not be concerned about it.

2) A sub-panel will NOT gain you "additional" amps, just more space. A 100A service is a 100A service.

3) Either run conduit along the outside of the house or dig it underground.

4) Exactly what JV said.
Also, you are likely looking at $1500-$2500 to upgrade from 100 to 200A, and a spa line the way you describe will likely be over $1500 to have done.