Since COVID-19, we have seen an increase in hot tub installations as people are spending more time at home. Creating a space of relaxation and a way to separate remote work from home life has become a necessity. In order to stay safe and enjoy peace of mind, the electrical connections and power supply to your hot tub needs to be properly installed.
Different hot tubs can require different power needs. The safety around water and electricity is of the utmost importance. We have highlighted a number of considerations below when it comes to wiring the electrical supply for your hot tub, spa or jacuzzi.
Voltage requirements
Electrical supply connections need to be protected by GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) devices anytime they are around water. Smaller hot tubs can simply be set up as a plug and play type of connection with a 15-amp, 120-volt ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Larger hot tubs need to be hard wired into a GFCI protected circuit with a 40/50/60-amp, 240-volt feed in order to meet the electrical demands of the pump and heater needed for installation.
Disconnect switches (aka Spa Packs)
Hot tubs require a disconnect switch to be able to power on and power off the hot tub. The rule of thumb is to locate the switch a minimum of 10 feet away from the hot tub so that a person cannot touch the switch while also touching the water in the hot tub. A necessary safety precaution for the obvious reason of not being electrocuted.
Electrical permits
You must always ensure that you check with your electrical contractor to see if any permits are required. A licensed electrician is likely needed to connect the electrical supply to your hot tub to ensure proper installation and the safety of people that will be using the hot tub.
Overhead wires/proximity to other electrical
There are requirements that if there is any electrical wiring overhead, including communication system wiring, of a hot tub it needs to be at least 22.5 feet above from the water level. You also cannot have any other electrical (including lights/receptacles) installed within 5 ft of the waters edge.
If you are considering purchasing a hot tub or if you have purchased one and need a licensed electrician in Ottawa to help get your hot tub up and running and installed safely, please reach out and give us a call.
