Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: bobaloo on March 03, 2014, 03:28:02 pm
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After doing some research, I decided on the HS Glow. I was under the assumption that I would need 6 gauge wiring from my homes main breaker panel to the HS sub-panel but the HS Limelight Glow instructions show 8 gauge for less than a 100' run and a 50 Amp breaker. My estimated length will be 75'. Do you think I should go with the 6 gauge anyway or save the few bucks and go with 8 gauge? I will be using THHN Stranded Copper within plastic conduit. Supposedly 8 gauge is ok up to 55A and 6 gauge for 75A. What do you guys think?
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When It comes to electrical runs I personally always recommend larger #6 as it will have less resistance and stay cool under max draw applications...I know its more money but you are in no way hurting yourself (other than your wallet!!!) by upgrading your wire size...But with a long run I'd play it safe and go overkill IMHO. Our sub contractor electrician that wires our tubs feels the same way as I've had this exact conversation with him.... Cheap insurance is all.
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#6
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For wich HS dealer are you working for ?
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For wich HS dealer are you working for ?
does it really matter since we are talking wire size and not which tub to buy.....???
But to the OP, I used 6 AWG when I ran my 240V power to my 60A sub panel from my main. It was about 82 feet, used hard conduit from the main, through the crawlspace under the house and into the sub panel and then from the sub panel until I got behind my tub then I used flex conduit to run from there and into the tub. I didn't want to chance overheating 8 AWG with the high amp draw of 3 pumps in fast and the heater if it needed to be on when soaking. 6 AWG may be a bit more expensive but in the long run it could be cheaper in the event that you damage any 8AWG wire and have to buy more to replace it.
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I think the biggest issue even over the wire temp and breakers popping is the starving of power to pumps and electronics...I think this would eventually take its tole on shortning the lifespan of the electronics possibly? I could be wrong and that was just something brought up by our electrician. Would other Techs agree???
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I would Follow your local electrical codes not what the manual tells you. I can't imagine needed anything bigger than #6 though.
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I work in the high voltage power industry, if you can always go with the heavier gauge wire, that will allow you to carry more current, this will reduce heat and assure you a cable, that will carry the current needed. You don't generate that much heat to be a problem, unless their is a problem or the circuit is overloaded, but think about, electricity and water don't mix, so take every precaution to add protection into your setup. The amount of money you spend is not that much more and worth the added feeling of peace of mind. You chose a good tub and great company, may you enjoy many hours of relaxation, send us some photos, when you settle in and start using it daily.
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Thanks everyone for your replies. I will go with #6 wiring as everyone suggested. One question... also use #6 for the ground? The manual shows a smaller gauge for the ground and I just want to be sure a #6 will fit in the sub-panel. Here is a pic of the HS wiring diagram I was given. Thanks.
p.s. Another question... Do you guys agree with the wire sizes shown from the panel to the tub? The length will be about 12 feet.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/robertbick/HS-Wiring.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/robertbick/media/HS-Wiring.jpg.html)
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#10 is fine for the ground as the manual states....#6 on hot's and neutral is safest.
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I am ready to wire from Hot Spring sub-panel to tub (coming in a few days) and noticed that the instructions state "NOTE: The WHITE neutral wire must be attached to the LOAD neutral on the 230 volt, 30 amp breaker (not to the neutral bus bar in the subpanel). The WHITE neutral wire coming from the breaker itself is already connected to the neutral bus bar."
There does not seem to be a place to attach the white neutral wire directly on the 30A breaker. Why can't it be attached to the neutral bar??? See my pic...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/robertbick/IMAG2089.jpg)
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I pulled the 30A breaker off and now see on the bottom where I assume to connect the neutral wire. Can someone confirm this in my pic? I can always test it later with a multimeter too I guess. Thanks.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/robertbick/IMAG2094.jpg)
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Yes that is where you connect the neutral wire leading to your spa.
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Thanks... that's what I figured. I didn't see it until I pulled the breaker off. The spa is coming Thursday. I just had the deck beefed up underneath and placed the wire & conduit underneath so will be all ready for it. I used all 10 AWG THHN wire from the sub to the spa (12 foot run). I hope that is fine since the Hot Spring instructions call for 10 on the 30A circuit and 12 on the 20A circuit.
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Using #10 out of the sub panel to the spa on both the 30 and the 20 am breakers is also fine...Larger wire is always safer and I recommend it always. Using smaller wire is where problems arise. Altho what the manual specs is fine...Im still a bigger is better believer when it comes to wire.
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Thanks for all your help dunecritter!!! It is being delivered today and the wiring is all in place ready to go. I'll post some pics when I have a chance.
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Enjoy!