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Installing and Troubleshooting Ground Fault Circuit Breakers, and Remote Disconnects.

Safety Warnings!

Remove Power from the spa/hot tub and circuit breaker panel BEFORE working on electrical equipment!  Failure to comply with this requirement, can lead to electrical shock and/or electrocution!

This is a GENERAL GUIDE ONLY!  USE this information at your OWN RISK!  Consult with or hire a licensed electrician before beginning any work of this type!

Disclaimer

READ FIRST BEFORE YOU CONTINUE


Ground fault circuit breakers are not just an option – they are REQUIRED by national code! Thousands of spas have been installed all across the US without adequate protection. If you think that little test/rest thing in your spa control pack is enough protection, think again! These mini-GFCI's will fail in the ON condition, leaving you potentially exposed to electrical shock or electrocution. They are not safe for long term use exposed to the hostile environment of a hot tub.


It is highly recommended that you do not rely on this small GFCI to protect you from electrical shock, and that you install one that is actually rated and can be installed in a UL approved rain-proof cabinet.


Important Links to pages that show how Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters/Breakers (GFI or GFCI's) are installed.


Ground Fault Circuit Breaker Installation Example: 4 Wire Mains


Remote Disconnnect Installation Example for Spas & Hot Tubs


The Classic Installation Mistake on a Ground Fault Breaker for a Spa.

What is a GFCI?
(Ground Fault Circuit Breaker) Look

Self-Contained Spa
(Also called Portable Spa)

Non-Self Contained Spa
(Contractor Installed)

Ground Fault Circuit Breaker installed at Main Power Connection  Go!

Ground Fault Circuit Breaker installed at Main Power Connection  Go!

Standard Circuit Breaker at the Main Power Connection  Go!

Multiple Circuit Breakers; (1 breaker for each component - Typical Installation)  Go!

 

Multiple Circuit Breakers; GFCI breaker trips.  Go!



What's the difference between a Self-Contained Spa and a Non-Self-Contained Spa?  Look


Suspected cause of tripping is believed to be overloading, not ground fault related.

Use this information at your own risk!  Consult or hire an electrician, or qualified hot tub appliance expert if in doubt as to your particular application.

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