[jshep105]

Hello everyone. I will be installing a Caldera Cantabria hot tub soon and need to run the electrical from my main panel to the GFCI sub panel. I will be installing a non-GFCI 70A circuit breaker in my 200A main service panel. I will need to run the two hot wires, neutral and ground wires approximately 55-60 feet from my main service panel in the front of my basement to the side and then the back of my basement and then finally outside. I am planning on mounting the Subpanel on the back of the house approximately 1-3 feet after the wires exit the basement to the outdoors. The hot tub will be at least 5 feet away from this, but probably about 6-8 feet away.

I have attached a picture of the wiring diagram provided by the manufacturer. Can I use #6 wires from my main panel to my sub panel like the wiring diagram says? Or does it need to be #4 wire? Also what type of wire should be used for this application? The majority of the run with be indoors in the unfinished basement ceiling area but I will need to run the wire in conduit outside for approximately 1-3 feet.

The sub panel has 2 20A GFCI breakers and then one 30A GFCI breaker. Wiring the 2nd 20A breaker is optional, but required if you wish to use the 3rd dedicated pump for the lounge seat at the same time as the heater. I live in New England so I figured in the winter time the heater will most likely need to run at the same time so I figured it is worth it to wire the 70A option with the 3rd breaker over the 50A option with 2 breakers.

Thank you!

 

[Datawise]

Check your local cod requirements related to spas / hot tubs. I would run #4 AL wire from the panel to the Spa Pack, then CU from the spa pack to the tub.

You may require some additional bonding / grounding depending on local codes.

Cheers
John

 

[rjniles]

I always suggest pools and spas are not DIY projects. Hire a pro.

Sent from my RCT6A03W13E using Tapatalk

 

[Jim Port]

I would agree with the above.

I will add that most cable types cannot be used as they have an uninsulated ground.

 

[jshep105]

Thank you everyone. I reached out to a couple electricians for quotes. So #4 Copper wire with an insulated ground should be used from the main panel to the subpanel/disconnect box? Also the ground wire from the sub panel/disconnect to the spa pack in the hot tub needs to be insulated too?

I know that you all said hire a pro for this, is there anything that should be done specifically when wiring a hot tub that I should make sure the electrician is doing?

 

[anyacolo]

I would run #4 AL wire from the panel to the Spa Pack

did you not read the bold at the bottom of the sheet provided?

 

[NCmountainCabin]

#6 is perfectly fine, it's a 56amp draw at max, not 70...

 

[jshep105]

I would run #4 AL wire from the panel to the Spa Pack

did you not read the bold at the bottom of the sheet provided?

I will be using copper wiring for the entire run. Especially from the disconnect box to the spa pack.

#6 is perfectly fine, it's a 56amp draw at max, not 70...

Will it still be up to code if there is #6 going into a 70 amp breaker on my main panel instead of #4? I know that the wiring diagram says use #6 and a 70A breaker on the main service panel. I am going to pull a permit and will have to get it inspected.

 

[chetwisner]

I will be using copper wiring for the entire run. Especially from the disconnect box to the spa pack.




Will it still be up to code if there is #6 going into a 70 amp breaker on my main panel instead of #4? I know that the wiring diagram says use #6 and a 70A breaker on the main service panel. I am going to pull a permit and will have to get it inspected.

Yes, use THWN-2 wire and it's rated up to 75a in the 90° column.

 

[Wiredindallas]

I would use a 60 amp breaker at least for the inspection. You are supposed to use the rating of the breaker lug for wire amperage. Most breakers are rated 75 degrees c.
What is the actual amperage rating of the tub?

 

[Oldmaster]

#6 copper wire can be protected at 70 amps. Although the wire is listed at 65 amps @75 degrees the next highest standard size breaker is 70 amp.

 

[Datawise]

I would run #4 AL wire from the panel to the Spa Pack, then CU from the spa pack to the tub.

did you not read the bold at the bottom of the sheet provided?

I certainly did, that is why I said I would run CU from the SPA pack to the tub.

The wiring from the panel to the spa pack is not part of the "tub installation", it is simply a feeder cable to a "sub-panel". I likely have installed a great number of these compared to you (perhaps not, not really interested in waving it around...), but I think I know what I am doing...

The #6 CU cable is more expensive then #4 AL. Here in Canada #6/3 NMD90 is $9.30 / metre (~$3.10 per foot) where #4/3AL NMD is $5.40 / metre (~$1.80 per foot). Simple math states that is a savings of over $200. There is no value in spending $200 for something that does not provide any appreciative performance difference.

Cheers
John

 

[jshep105]

I would use a 60 amp breaker at least for the inspection. You are supposed to use the rating of the breaker lug for wire amperage. Most breakers are rated 75 degrees c.
What is the actual amperage rating of the tub?

I am not sure. Unfortunately, I do not have the hot tub yet and I cannot find the information of the 3 pumps and the heater to calculate the amperage rating. I only know what was given to me and that was the wiring diagram. There are 3 240V circuits. Two 20A breakers and 1 30A breaker but I do not know the amperage draw on each of the circuits.

 

[chetwisner]

I am not sure. Unfortunately, I do not have the hot tub yet and I cannot find the information of the 3 pumps and the heater to calculate the amperage rating. I only know what was given to me and that was the wiring diagram. There are 3 240V circuits. Two 20A breakers and 1 30A breaker but I do not know the amperage draw on each of the circuits.

The amperage rating of the tub would/should be printed on the wiring digram. It certainly would be stamped on a metal plate or sticker on the tub.

I don't think Wiredindallas was asking how much current was being drawn in your existing circuits.

 

[jshep105]

The amperage rating of the tub would/should be printed on the wiring digram. It certainly would be stamped on a metal plate or sticker on the tub.

I don't think Wiredindallas was asking how much current was being drawn in your existing circuits.

Sorry, you’re right. The wiring diagram states 56A. 230VAC, 56A, 60Hz.

 

[jshep105]

I would agree with the above.

I will add that most cable types cannot be used as they have an uninsulated ground.

Do both grounds need to be insulated wire? Or only the ground from the subpanel/disconnect box to the spa pack in the hot tub? It has to be solid wire too right? Cannot be stranded?

 

[Jim Port]

Any grounding conductor that is outside needs to be insulated. Portions inside can be bare or green.

 

[jshep105]

Any grounding conductor that is outside needs to be insulated. Portions inside can be bare or green.

Thank you! Does it matter if it is stranded or solid copper wire for the grounds?