Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: tubsoakin on December 15, 2007, 03:24:14 pm
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Hi all,
I'm looking for information as to what it takes to switch an 07 Sundance Optima to the 60 amp setting so my heater will run even if both pumps are running. Do I need to contact my dealer or is it something I could do on my own. I know it wouldn't be a problem to change my house power, but am not sure about what to do to the tub to switch it over.
Thanks in advance for any info
Chris
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If you have the info on where to move the jumpers you can do it.
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Make sure that the wiring can handle 60 amps. Size of the wire and distance matters when it comes to current capacity.
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Open up the front panel, then open up the control box, with power off! Locate the row of jumpers should be left of center. The top row from top to btm are marked JP20 below that you should see a second row of jumpers thats marked JP9, they will be marked like this.
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
That actually means this reading left to right jumper 1&2
jumper 3&4
jumper 5&6
jumper 7&8 and so on.
Jumper 7 and 8 need to be jumped for the 60 amp configuration.
There usually is a spare jumper, and it will be in there vertically in stead of horizontal, like the others.
You can use that for jumping 7 and 8.
Thats it! Seems simple right ;)
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Make sure that the wiring can handle 60 amps. Size of the wire and distance matters when it comes to current capacity.
Also make sure your electric service can provide the 60amps. Some homes need to have a new breaker box installed to handle the 60 amps. Your current sub-panel is probably not a 60 amp panel.
While it's easy to make the switch on your spa, it might not be so easy to provide that power to your spa.
Just check before you go out an do anything.
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Chances are that if your spa is currently running in the 50 amp configuration, and your installation is to code, you can safely switch to the 60 amp mode.
If you have 100+ amp service at your main panel, you should be okay. If you have an older service, say 60 amps, then you probably would have had to have your service upgraded for the spa anyway. So I would think that you don't have to worry about a service upgrade.
If your spa wiring is 6 gauge copper, which it should be if you are at 50 amps, you can use that wire for up to a 60 amp breaker no problem. Unless your wiring is unusually long- like in excess of 100'.
You might need to swap out your GFI spa breaker to one rated for 60 amps. If you stay with the 50 (assuming that's what you have) you might have problems tripping if you run the heater and both pumps at the same time. On the other hand, you may not- I've never tried it.
That assumes your sub panel is rated for 60 amps. I suspect it is, but you should double check.
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Would this be the same process for an 06 Sundance Maxxus? I have plenty of power to handle it and would love to be able to run the heater with all 3 pumps.
Thanks,
Jr
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It could be. Get out your owners manual and look at the different amperage options. If it allows for a 60 amp setup, then you should be able to have the jumper moved (or do it yourself if you know the routine) if you're not set up for the 60.
Not at all sure if it's the same board and the same jumpers as the Optima, etc.....
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I have a 2005 Sundance (Sweetwater) Bahia. We were told by the dealer that we had an option of 50/60 amp service as well and only needed jumper changes along with specific wiring etc. We opted for the 60 amp service, installed the correct breakers, wire etc. To this day we cannot get the jumpers arranged, in any configuration, that allows operation of the heater and pumps full out simultaneously.
So...not sure what the deal is on this, but reading your post reminded me. We have long since given up on the option.
ps...still love our tub!
Dave
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Just checked my manual and according to it, even with 60amp service the heater will not operate with all 3 pump motors running. The service man is coming next week to replace my ozonator so maybe I will check with him.
Thanks,
Gary
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That may very well be the case with the Maxxus- I forgot that monster had an extra pump that the others don't have. But I suspect that running all three pumps at once will greatly reduce the need for the heater anyway, unless you're soaking in very cold temperatures.
Wiring for 60 vs 50 amps. is the same, it's only the breaker that's different, assuming the sub panel is rated hight enough.
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The Maxxus will already be set up on the 60 amp config!! The Jacuzzi J-385 had the same pumps as the Sundance and it was preset to 60 amps exact same circut board.
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I have a 2005 Sundance (Sweetwater) Bahia. We were told by the dealer that we had an option of 50/60 amp service as well and only needed jumper changes along with specific wiring etc. We opted for the 60 amp service, installed the correct breakers, wire etc. To this day we cannot get the jumpers arranged, in any configuration, that allows operation of the heater and pumps full out simultaneously.
So...not sure what the deal is on this, but reading your post reminded me. We have long since given up on the option.
Here's the board from my Optima set up for 60 amps. The arrow is pointing to the jumper that needs to, uh, jumped...
(http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n110/pg_rider/DSC03915Small.jpg)
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Here's the board from my Optima set up for 60 amps. The arrow is pointing to the jumper that needs to, uh, jumped...
(http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n110/pg_rider/DSC03915Small.jpg)
Nice thought! But, the Bahia does not have that circuit board in it.
According to my tech manual, he needs to find JP1 and jump jumpers 6&5
JP1
8&7
6&5
4&3
2&1
8 and 7 not used
4&3 jumper on for 2 pump off for 1 pump
2&1 jumped if using 30 amp off for 50 amp
I am pretty sure 6&5 need jumped for 60 Amp
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Honestly though...we thought it was a big deal at the start and were relatively disappointed with the inability to run all at once. But in reality, after nearing 2 years of use, it's not anywhere near the issue we thought it'd be.
And keeping in mind we're in NE Ohio and deal with cold all winter, last Feb was coldest on record, and had no issues.
Merry Christmas all.
Dave
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I have 60 amp service and my Maxxus does not run the heater and all three pumps. If the heater is on and you turn the third pump on, the heater will turn off. The only time I see the tube cool down every much is when I'm running the air blower. That sucks in cool outside air, which inturn cools the water. But it takes a hour to see a drop of 4 degrees. I keep my tub at 102 in the winter. And after 45 minutes I'm ready to get the heck out.
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That sounds reasonable. The Maxxus has 3 pumps where the other Sundance spas in question have only 2. And for those spas, the 60 amp setting is necessary to run 2 pumps and the heater all at once. Suppose there isn't enough headroom to get that third pump going and the heater on the same 60 amp setting. And going up any more in power would certainly add a LOT to the cost of wiring the spa.
6 gauge copper would only be good for 60 amps, you'ld likely have to bump up to 4 or 2 gauge- and you do not want to work with that stuff unless you have to. It's very stiff, and very expensive. You'd also need fairly large conduit as well.
With all 3 pumps on at once, I can't imagine your heat would drop all that much anyway, unless it was very cold out.
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I am a lay person but some of the answers here will get you in trouble---like--"the wireing is the same for a 50 or 60 amp---only the breaker needs to be upped"---wrong! wire size is importand if you don't want a toaster on the way to your tub.
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"Wiring for 60 vs 50 amps. is the same, it's only the breaker that's different, assuming the sub panel is rated hight enough."
This not true---wire size from the main service to the sub panel is important---the wrong size will get you in trouble.