Wiring for a tub with spa jets

According to the local Wiring Regulations.

A good safe way to install wire for a standalone bath tub with spa jets is to get a Qualified Electrician in to do the job! They should know or have access to the relevant specifications! This is not a DIY job, Play safe (even in the standalone bath tub with spa jets!)

Exactly as Mr.Truman Brain has suggested.

Plus:-

Put the whole bathroom on one of those special breakers that trip if there is any imbalance in the currents drawn over the phase & neutral. I have forgotten the name exactly, but it could be something like ELB or earth leakage Breaker or trip....

I feel personally that every house should have one, but as far as I am aware, only the UK requires them by law for all new construction for about 30 years or so!! Why they are simply not made law for any house in any country I really do not know. With the
inbuilt defects of the continental European Electrical System that would be a good idea!!!

And as an aside:- the EU wanted that the UK gave up its electrical system when the UK joined the EU.......we gave them the middle finger on that one (as well as uprooting certain Apple trees that Europe did not have, the so called "cooking apple"!!! to name but a few!!)

Even US hair dryers have these breakers as part of the plug attached to them (for many years!!), but the bathrooms themselves???.

Hi Andy,

Actually in Canada (and probably USA also), SFAIK, the GFI/GFCI (Ground fault interrupt/Ground fault circuit interrupt) sockets are standard practice in all bathrooms (and anywhere water is present). You can protect the whole circuit (3 or 4 sockets on one breaker) with one GFCI. Outside SPAs require a GFCI interrupt switch placed outside (about 2 meters away from the SPA) where as inside SPAs require a GFCI breaker in the electrical panel.

That is excellent, a shame a lot of other countries do not follow that rule....

[Re: #2- "get a Qualified Electrician"...] SHUDDER!!!! Having been a State Certified Pool & Spa contractor for a period, I had occasion to call-in numerous electricians to wire-up the controllers for same (some can be pretty exotic!).

After the 1st *2* times that I was shocked [literally speaking!] because the guy didn't check his own work before leaving, I began doing them myself ... {yes, correctly, all hook-ups in compliance with the N.E.C.}.

You will probably want tub-side controls for on-off (at least). From experience: I don't care HOW WELL the pc board is potted, etc. ... don't get talked-into an electronic controller. Find any of the various air-pressure activated switches, put the switch and motor connections in a ("Carlon") plastic watertight box... bond everything that is metallic securely (#8 solid) ... absolutely have the GFCI in-line (properly mounted) ... and enjoy!

PS: keep the air diaphragm button ABOVE the waterline...

Looks like you have encountered a few cowboys! This is not good news for the qualified fraternity because we all end up getting painted with the same brush!

Without getting too technical, your spa should be protected by a seperate RCD rated for that purpose (see local regs) Also take into account your zones! zone A, No electrical device can be placed within zone A(or local regs) , Zone A is the area ocupied by the spa. Zone B is the area located by the spa but not the spa, this area is upto 2.0m from the spa and should be protected using SELV equipment (or local regs) a nominal voltage of 12v a.c rms or 30v d.c must not be exceeded (again, check your local regs). Zone C is 2.0m to 3.5m. All saftey devices should be placed outside zone C!

In Zone A your equipment needs a minimum of IPX8 protection

In zone B your equipment needs a minimum of IPX5 of IPX4 where no water jets are used for cleaning.

In Zone C your equipment needs a minimum of IPX2(indoor) IPX4(outdoor) or IPX5(where water jets are used for cleaning)

So without getting too technical, look for a good electrician who has a good traceable reputation and don't get a fly by night cowboy to do the job!

I agree, hire a qualified electrician. If you have to ask, you shouldn't even touch it.

most Ive seen just have a plug ... wirings done for the tub ... need to put a GFI were it can be reached usually behind the tub enclosure with an access for a reset or maintenance. MUST be a ground fault receptical... no substitute... period. The electrician will know how to install ... and please let it be one because if its done wrong ... BZZZZZZZ ........ bubble bubble ........ wrrrrrrrrrrrr .....eeek ... and all that.