Pads and Power

[alwaysperky]

Hello all,

I'm wondering if there is a preferred method of setting up pad and power for the spa.  I remember seeing some posts a long time ago about stuff like if the power goes through the pad it's a good idea to ground the pad....................    It would seem like you'd have plan a bit more for that approach, but the end result would be a lot cleaner.  Got any pictures?

Also, I'm not to sharp on the power deal, when you have your power wired up, do folks usually have the "guy" add an outlet too so you can set up party lights, radio, blender, etc.

[Mendocino101]

if you are spending the money for a electrician to run (usually) a 220 line than ,I think it is smart to a put one or maybe a couple of 110 outlets in as well the cost will not be much, so it is a good time to do it......most people will over the years have a need for them.....

[Tman122]

I was fortunate the pad was next to an exsisting deck. So running the 220 power for the tub and an extra 110 outlet to a deck post before the tub arrived was simple. Codes require extra 110 volt outlets and the tub shut off to be a certain distance from the tub so this is a good place to start. Then when the tub arrives the 5-10 feet left to get to the tub is easy.

[Sunny]

We’re placing our new Caldera Niagara on a concrete pad about 2 feet away from our house.  The electrician said he will mount the subpanel on the outside wall of our house (north end) & bury the line 12” deep about 15- 20 feet from the subpanel to the spa connections.  Apparenty this subpanel must be at least 5 feet away from the tub.  Most of this trench will be along the concrete pad from what I understand.
I don’t know if this is a common installation & I know nothing about these things, but it seems reasonable.  We’re getting another electrician to come by for an estimate today.

BTW, the price he gave us was $2,400.  The line from our main panel to the tub subpanel is about 20 feet running through the basement ceiling.  We don’t need to upgrade our power supply as we did this about two years ago during a major remodel of our house.  The price quote includes a $450 “filing fee”.  We are located in the NYC metro area so I think this is the cost of doing business around here.

Does anybody know how we would deal with an existing outside wall outlet near the south end of our proposed site?  I thought I read somewhere that this must also meet code requirements regarding minimum distance from the tub (7 feet?).  I need to be sure before I have the concrete poured.  Any other comments would be helpful.

Thanks!
Sunny

[Gary1911]

We’re placing our new Caldera Niagara on a concrete pad about 2 feet away from our house.  The electrician said he will mount the subpanel on the outside wall of our house (north end) & bury the line 12” deep about 15- 20 feet from the subpanel to the spa connections.  Apparenty this subpanel must be at least 5 feet away from the tub.  Most of this trench will be along the concrete pad from what I understand.
I don’t know if this is a common installation & I know nothing about these things, but it seems reasonable.  We’re getting another electrician to come by for an estimate today.

BTW, the price he gave us was $2,400.  The line from our main panel to the tub subpanel is about 20 feet running through the basement ceiling.  We don’t need to upgrade our power supply as we did this about two years ago during a major remodel of our house.  The price quote includes a $450 “filing fee”.  We are located in the NYC metro area so I think this is the cost of doing business around here.

Does anybody know how we would deal with an existing outside wall outlet near the south end of our proposed site?  I thought I read somewhere that this must also meet code requirements regarding minimum distance from the tub (7 feet?).  I need to be sure before I have the concrete poured.  Any other comments would be helpful.

Thanks!
Sunny

$$$$$ 2400 Holy Smoke Man get another QUOTE!!!

[johnvb]

 You can double check with the other electrician, but according to my "Code Check" book, spas are treated like swimming pools.

Need minimum one receptacle at least 10' and less than 20' from pool walls. (Reduction to not less than 5' ok if space is tight.

Receptacles within 20' should be GFCI protected. (All outside receps should be anyway)

If that receptacle is too far, the electrician will just add another closer one.

BTW, I would think the "filing fee" should include a permit posted on the job site, and a visit from a city inspector.

[Brewman]

Get at least one or two more estimates for electrical if you can.  At least that way you'll know if your first quote is realistic.  Seems awfully high to me, but I'm not in your part of the country, so maybe it's the way things are.

Check with the people who enforce the building codes in your area to see what they say about the wall, and anything else you might need to know about.
Brewman

[Mike134]

Sounds a bit high although NYC does have the highest labor constrution rates in the country. after you get the other quotes you'll know better.  I'd bet that 450 is a bonding and insurance fee he has to pay because he hasn't worked in that city before and he's passing the cost along to you

BTW I'm a licensed union electrician in Chicago, Il.  Our labor rates run around 85.00 an hour, high by some standards but well below the salaries of the paper shufflers

[wmccall]

.  I'd bet that 450 is a bonding and insurance fee he has to pay because he hasn't worked in that city before and he's passing the cost along to you

Whether your right or not, that is the kind of diversified professional opinion that makes this forum special.  It certainly will help the original poster know what to look for.  Nicely worded.

[alwaysperky]

Steriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiik one.  

Thanks for the thoughts.

What I was hoping to learn was the best way to run power to the tub, not that the we've got to get the deal 5 to 10 feet away from the other deal.

I've seen some pictures of those  who have run it up over the slab........sort of a big cord , 220/221, what ever it takes.  A nice thick cord to  trip and step on while navigating around the tub.  I've heard about  but not seen the concept of having the power come up under the tub, through the slab,  into the "box"....................thus the idea of grounding the the slab.  

[Gary1911]

Steriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiik one.  

Thanks for the thoughts.

What I was hoping to learn was the best way to run power to the tub, not that the we've got to get the deal 5 to 10 feet away from the other deal.

 I've seen some pictures of those  who have run it up over the slab........sort of a big cord , 220/221, what ever it takes.  A nice thick cord to  trip and step on while navigating around the tub.  I've heard about  but not seen the concept of having the power come up under the tub, through the slab,  into the "box"....................thus the idea of grounding the the slab.  

For that kinda dough it  outta be invisible, so don't worry  

[Mike134]

Sorry got off the track there.....

running a conduit underground and up and into the tub though the slab is a good idea.....makes a nice neet install.....only trick is where on the tub's "footprint" to bring it.  Checkout the identical model at the dealer so you can pick a clear spot.  Final connection to the power terminals in the control box will be done using a flexable conduit called sealtite.  Nothing special needs to be done normally to the slab for grounding . National electrical code does require anything metal within  5 feet of the waters edge to be connected to the bonding terminal inside the control box, using a solid # 8 wire

[Brewman]

Check the install manuals for any spa you are considering for information on where to locate the electrical.  That or ask the dealer or try the Mfg.s website.
Brewman