Whirlpool Tub

MikeVila · 12-09-2008, 06:15 PM

Wow this got crazy. I think I can make this easy on myself. My watter supply is cpvc not copper. So does that erase any debate? Just bond/ground issues if you have copper supplies? Need a drink after this riot LOL. J/k. Thx.

chris75 · 12-09-2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orangeguy

I have been contracting for many years now and would first like to say that it has been nearly 12 years since I have seen or installed a whirlpool with metalic pipeing.I am not just an electronics tech .I have multiple tickets and have since the insults have decided that most of the people on this site giving advice are single tracked when it comes to there advice. I don't think that a forum is the place to insult anyone! I have read many different posts that are frankly scary! I have never had a problem with the methods I have employed over the years I just got off the phone with the master electrician that I have used for the last 7 years and he has never had to bond a plastic piped whirlpool!I take his word over any of you guys. I know he is who he says he is.The best piece of advice I can give is to CALL AN ELECTRICIAN.***Moderator edit: personal insult removed***happy building!

Relax buddie, its a DIY forum, I've been doing this for a long time, I know whats required by code, call anyone you want, just telling you the truth about the requirements of the NEC, like them or not.

chris75 · 12-09-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekctermite

Ok Chris, we obviously disagree. Right, wrong, or indifferent, every city in this metropolitan area that I can think of requires what I describe. I understand that the NEC handbook is not a code book, but the NFPA puts it out as a guidance document and I assure you that those of us that spend our days in the codes often utilize guidance documents. The IAEI's book is another such document.

I'm just telling you what the code says...

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekctermite

What would you suggest that the bonding lug that comes on nearly every hydromassage tub motor sold today is for???

Just because the tub manufacture buys a motor with a lug does not mean it has to be used.

Check this subject out at Mike Holts forum and let me know how you make out.

MikeVila · 12-09-2008, 07:00 PM

What about what I said?

jamiedolan · 12-09-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVila

What about what I said?

Have you checked to see what your local building / electrical inspector says on the issue?

The exact interpretation of the code comes down to your local inspector, they will have the final word on the matter.

Jamie

MikeVila · 12-09-2008, 08:24 PM

NO. What would you ground it to? There is no metal plumbing.

jamiedolan · 12-09-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVila

NO. What would you ground it to? There is no metal plumbing.

We were talking about bonding, not grounding, as far as I can tell in re-reading the messages here. I don't see that there is anything to bond the motor to or any requirement to do so if you have plastic / pvc pipes.

You understand that the issue of bonding here we are speaking of in entirely separate than the issue of properly grounding the tubs electrical system?

How did you wire the circuit? Did you run a 4 wire setup? What gage wire/ what size breaker? What kind of conduit did you use? These would be great details to post so others can comment and help you ensure this is wired properly. Do you have a disconnect for the tub in site of the tub?

Jamie

Orangeguy · 12-10-2008, 08:08 AM

a disconnect can just be a plug!

jamiedolan · 12-10-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orangeguy

a disconnect can just be a plug!

Yes, if it is a very small tub that just has a plug and cord. Most tubs are 240 and are directly wired.
Jamie

**Termite** · 12-10-2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamiedolan

Yes, if it is a very small tub that just has a plug and cord. Most tubs are 240 and are directly wired.
Jamie

Not hot tubs Jamie, bath tubs. Hydromassage tubs in bathrooms are pretty much always 110v cord and plug, at least here they are. Hot tubs like the ones you'd put on a deck are a different animal and the aforementioned disconnect is needed.

**Termite** · 12-10-2008, 12:11 PM

MikeVila, all bonding arguments aside, everyone will agree that there is definately no bonding requirement if you have a double insulated motor. In my experience, most of the time when the tub motor doesn't have a lug on it it is a double insulated motor.

MikeVila · 12-10-2008, 05:26 PM

For the electrical I ran a dedicated 20 amp circuit per manufacturers directions. 20 amp GFCI, 12/2 UF ran in ridgid pvc (gray conduit) ran under the house.

**Termite** · 12-11-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVila

For the electrical I ran a dedicated 20 amp circuit per manufacturers directions. 20 amp GFCI, 12/2 UF ran in ridgid pvc (gray conduit) ran under the house.

That'll work!

jamiedolan · 12-11-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekctermite

Not hot tubs Jamie, bath tubs. Hydromassage tubs in bathrooms are pretty much always 110v cord and plug, at least here they are. Hot tubs like the ones you'd put on a deck are a different animal and the aforementioned disconnect is needed.

Different terminology that I am used to around here, most people here interchange the terms hot tub / spa / whirlpool and they normally mean a multi-person 250+gallon unit that is hard wired. I was thinking of the kind that I am putting on my back porch that is about 72"x72".

Jamie

MikeVila · 12-11-2008, 08:33 PM

Yeah, I call them a hot tub, spa, or jacuzzi. Like you said different people got different words. I refer to the indoor units as whirlpool's or jet tubs. I'd like to have an outdoor hot tub though!!!!