Help Wiring a Sub-panel for Hot Tub - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

braisler · 05-09-2005, 06:10 AM

I know there are at least a couple of electrical contractors lurking here, so I hope that one (or more) of you can help me with this project. I need to wire (or hire out the wiring) of a sub-panel to run my new hot tub. The hot tub is located outside on my deck and about 30-40 feet, maybe a bit less, from my existing breaker panel. I have a QO SquareD panel that currently has plenty of space for additional breakers.

I am looking to install a 240V 50 AMP GFCI breaker in a sub-panel near to hot tub as is required by local code. So my questions are:

1. Do I need to put a new 50 AMP breaker in my main panel and run the wire out from there to the sub-panel, then into the 50 AMP GFCI, then out to the spa?

2. What gauge wire should I be running for this application? 6 gauge, 8 gauge, solid/stranded, insulated?

3. The run of the wire should be able to come out of my crawl space and go up under my existing deck to the location of the sub-panel. In this case, is it necessary or recommended to bury the wiring? What kind of conduit (if any) should I use? I seem to recall outdoor rating wire with extra jacketed insulation for this sort of thing.

Lastly, if I chose to hire a professional for all or part of this job, how much should I be paying for this kind of job. Just a rough cost estimation will do. I don't want to get ripped off.

I looked up a couple of the parts that I will need. Let me know if these are in line with what I should expect to pay an electrician. I'm not sure about how long the job should take, but I figure on $60-75/hour around here for labor.

The 50 AMP inside breaker (if needed) - $17
50 AMP GFCI breaker - $135
Sub-Panel box - $30
Conduit and fittings (as needed) - $25
6 AWG 3 wire solid copper (I couldn't find a price online for this) $??/foot

I would think that that gauge wire might be as much as $1/foot, maybe more. That puts the parts cost at around $200-$300. So with labor, I am thinking it might cost $400-500? Does that sound about right? Is there any major component that I have overlooked?

Thanks in advance.

2sheds · 05-09-2005, 10:41 AM

i can't help you myself, but here's a link to great website for home wiring questions:

http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/

there are some articles, but also an active forum moderated by a couple of electricians.

hth

kazoo · 05-09-2005, 03:59 PM

Let's take this one question at a time. To begin, even though I will give you advice based on the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code, first step is to contact the local municipality, or Authority Having Jurisdiction, to see what they want. AHJ rules, every time.

Spas, hot tubs, and the like are governed by Article 680. If you wish to install a sub-panel, that is permissible, but not necessary. Should you wish to do so, additional articles apply. Since you state that your existing panelboard has adequate space, you may install a branch circuit to serve the hot tub, provided that said circuit is installed in a manner consistent with the wiring method chosen.

Without knowing the equipment you desire to install, and seeing it's factory installed connection means, it is difficult to offer good advice. Some hot tubs and spas are meant to be cord and plug connected, others are meant to be hard wired, and some are convertible.

Distances from waterline to receptacles, light fixtures, and such compel me to visit every site prior to offering a firm quotation.

braisler · 05-11-2005, 08:15 AM

Thanks for the input.

I was able to get some quotes from local electricians that ranged from $450 to $535 which about the range that I expected for the work that needs to be done. I decided to go with an electrician because they would be aware of what local code requires and if any inspections are necessary, etc. Also they should be able to complete the job a bit more quickly leaving my time free to work on the finishing touches of the deck project.

thingstodo · 05-21-2005, 12:13 PM

Smart move.

This isn't like installing a light fixture. You're going outside to a wet area. and you're not using light amperage. Plus, there are local codes you need to be aware of and perhaps even permiting for something like this. It would be a shame to sell your house but have to fix electrical or other things that weren't up to code or installed by someone not licensed to do so.

Electrical stuff is serious business that, if done wrong can burn a house down or kill someone with a shock, especially around water.

05-09-2005, 06:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
braisler Addict Location: Midway, KY	Help Wiring a Sub-panel for Hot Tub I know there are at least a couple of electrical contractors lurking here, so I hope that one (or more) of you can help me with this project. I need to wire (or hire out the wiring) of a sub-panel to run my new hot tub. The hot tub is located outside on my deck and about 30-40 feet, maybe a bit less, from my existing breaker panel. I have a QO SquareD panel that currently has plenty of space for additional breakers. I am looking to install a 240V 50 AMP GFCI breaker in a sub-panel near to hot tub as is required by local code. So my questions are: 1. Do I need to put a new 50 AMP breaker in my main panel and run the wire out from there to the sub-panel, then into the 50 AMP GFCI, then out to the spa? 2. What gauge wire should I be running for this application? 6 gauge, 8 gauge, solid/stranded, insulated? 3. The run of the wire should be able to come out of my crawl space and go up under my existing deck to the location of the sub-panel. In this case, is it necessary or recommended to bury the wiring? What kind of conduit (if any) should I use? I seem to recall outdoor rating wire with extra jacketed insulation for this sort of thing. Lastly, if I chose to hire a professional for all or part of this job, how much should I be paying for this kind of job. Just a rough cost estimation will do. I don't want to get ripped off. I looked up a couple of the parts that I will need. Let me know if these are in line with what I should expect to pay an electrician. I'm not sure about how long the job should take, but I figure on $60-75/hour around here for labor. The 50 AMP inside breaker (if needed) - $17 50 AMP GFCI breaker - $135 Sub-Panel box - $30 Conduit and fittings (as needed) - $25 6 AWG 3 wire solid copper (I couldn't find a price online for this) $??/foot I would think that that gauge wire might be as much as $1/foot, maybe more. That puts the parts cost at around $200-$300. So with labor, I am thinking it might cost $400-500? Does that sound about right? Is there any major component that I have overlooked? Thanks in advance. __________________ --- You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. - Albert Einstein ---

05-09-2005, 10:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
2sheds Crazy Location: dfw - texas	i can't help you myself, but here's a link to great website for home wiring questions: http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/ there are some articles, but also an active forum moderated by a couple of electricians. hth __________________ Depression is just anger without enthusiasm. It’s having an empty beer bottle but no one to throw it at.

05-09-2005, 03:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	Let's take this one question at a time. To begin, even though I will give you advice based on the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code, first step is to contact the local municipality, or Authority Having Jurisdiction, to see what they want. AHJ rules, every time. Spas, hot tubs, and the like are governed by Article 680. If you wish to install a sub-panel, that is permissible, but not necessary. Should you wish to do so, additional articles apply. Since you state that your existing panelboard has adequate space, you may install a branch circuit to serve the hot tub, provided that said circuit is installed in a manner consistent with the wiring method chosen. Without knowing the equipment you desire to install, and seeing it's factory installed connection means, it is difficult to offer good advice. Some hot tubs and spas are meant to be cord and plug connected, others are meant to be hard wired, and some are convertible. Distances from waterline to receptacles, light fixtures, and such compel me to visit every site prior to offering a firm quotation. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

05-11-2005, 08:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
braisler Addict Location: Midway, KY	Thanks for the input. I was able to get some quotes from local electricians that ranged from $450 to $535 which about the range that I expected for the work that needs to be done. I decided to go with an electrician because they would be aware of what local code requires and if any inspections are necessary, etc. Also they should be able to complete the job a bit more quickly leaving my time free to work on the finishing touches of the deck project. __________________ --- You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. - Albert Einstein ---

05-21-2005, 12:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Smart move. This isn't like installing a light fixture. You're going outside to a wet area. and you're not using light amperage. Plus, there are local codes you need to be aware of and perhaps even permiting for something like this. It would be a shame to sell your house but have to fix electrical or other things that weren't up to code or installed by someone not licensed to do so. Electrical stuff is serious business that, if done wrong can burn a house down or kill someone with a shock, especially around water. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.