Before you begin any hot tub installation or upgrade process, it’s important to understand the electrical requirements. This article outlines hot tub electrical basics.
Please note this is for educational purposes only. A qualified & licensed electrician must perform this work. Failure to follow these instructions will terminate all warranty coverage and could result in serious injury or death.
Breaker Requirements
First, let’s start with the basics. Hot tubs require a dedicated electrical circuit that is powered by a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) breaker. This GFCI breaker is designed to trip and shut off the power in the event of an electrical fault and should be the only breaker connected to your hot tub.
GFCI breakers are available in different amp ratings and voltage levels, so be sure to select one that meets the specific requirements of your hot tub. Your local dealer will know the exact breaker you need.
Voltage & Amperage Requirements
In terms of voltage requirements, most of our Artesian Spas run on 240V, however, our single pump spas may also be set up to run off of 120V. It’s important to check the voltage requirements of your hot tub before you begin any installation process.
To run a 120V Artesian hot tub, you will need a dedicated 15-20 amperage circuit, while a 240V Artesian hot tub requires a dedicated 40-60 amperage circuit.
Hot Tub Wiring Requirements
When it comes to wiring, it’s important to use a flexible, waterproof cable such as UL-rated SJTW or STW. This type of cable is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including rain and snow. If you’re wiring a 240V hot tub, you’ll need a 4-wire cable consisting of two hot wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. For a 120V hot tub, you’ll need a 3-wire cable consisting of a hot, neutral, and ground wire. If you purchase through Artesian Spas, a GFCI 120V cord will be provided.
It’s also important to make sure that the wire size is sufficient for the electrical load of the hot tub. Recommended wire gauge sizes can vary by hot tub voltage, however, we advise all hot tub owners and electricians to use a minimum of 6 AWg wire.
Ground Wire
Finally, it’s important to make sure the hot tub is properly grounded. For a 120V hot tub, you’ll need to make sure the ground wire is securely attached to the green lug on the hot tub’s control box. For a 240V hot tub, you’ll need to make sure the ground wire is securely attached to the green lug in the GFCI box.
By understanding hot tub electrical requirements and taking the time to make sure your hot tub is up to code, you can ensure the safe and proper operation of your hot tub. With the correct electrical setup, you can enjoy your hot tub for years to come.
For more detailed information on a certain spa line, electrical requirements are listed in every Owner’s Manual.
As a reminder, this is for educational purposes only. A qualified & licensed electrician must perform this work. Failure to follow these instructions will terminate all warranty coverage and could result in serious injury or death.