I am installing a hot tub next week and want to make sure that I have the correct wire and components.
My hot tub has a "Peak Electrical Demand" of 38 Amps (this is all the manual will say about amps and doesn�t specifically say which breakers to use).

The store I purchased the tub from sold me a 40 amp GFI outdoor spa panel but would like confirmation that this is correct.

I was planning on using #6/3 NMWU-90 wire which I think should be more than adequate.

Finally I was planning on using a 2 pole 60A breaker in the main panel, I have started to think that this might be a bit big but there is provision in the spa box for two auxiliary 15A circuits that I thought I might use at least 1 of them for some outdoor lighting. Speaking of these auxiliary circuits, I was talking to the guy at Home Depot and he said I should not use them. Anyone have an opinion on that?

Thanks in advance for any input you might have.

Cheers.

Jim

Can't use NM, the ground(ing) conductor needs to be insulated.

Have you looked at the manufacturer's web site for additional installation information? Sometimes the manuals provided with the spa is has been updated or the manufacturer provides additional information.

If you are doing this yourself to save money:

The Hot tub should say on the rating plate what breaker it requires.
If the HT only requires a 40A breaker, you are spending way more than necc. on that 6/3 wire, 8/3 should do ya(unless the HT is a long way from the house). Also, as long as the spa panel has a locking cover or a way to lock the breaker(most do), you don't actually have to put it outside-so you can use NMD, dry connectors, staples etc. until you get to the outside portion of the wiring(way cheaper). Make sure the NMWU is protected properly, especially make sure it is buried deep enough if you are running it underground.

YOU SHOULD GET A PERMIT AND HAVE THIS INSPECTED.

If you want to do it the other way, that is fine too(as long as the spa panel is the appropriate distance/inaccessible from the tub). But if you are willing to spend the extra money, why not have an electrician do the work, then you can relax as the bubbles take your cares away, and not wonder if you are about to be electrocuted because you didn't hook up the GFI properly. Just some food for thought.

"If you are doing this yourself to save money:" Mostly to get it done, i am having a hard time getting contractors to show up.

"The Hot tub should say on the rating plate what breaker it requires." Maybe, the tub is still on a pallet.

"If the HT only requires a 40A breaker, you are spending way more than necc. on that 6/3 wire, 8/3 should do ya(unless the HT is a long way from the house." I will need a bit more than 110 ft of wire to get from the panel to the tub.

"Also, as long as the spa panel has a locking cover or a way to lock the breaker(most do), you don't actually have to put it outside." Basement is fully finished so going outside will be easier.

"Make sure the NMWU is protected properly, especially make sure it is buried deep enough if you are running it underground." 18" and covered with clean sand.

"YOU SHOULD GET A PERMIT AND HAVE THIS INSPECTED." I plan to.

jrturner92, in the US you CANNOT use NM or UF for the outside portion of the wiring to a hot tub. We MUST use conduit can conductors with an insulated ground. I believe Canada is the same.

You guys have something called Tek cable I believe. This is the ONLY flexible cable allowed for the outside portion of the wiring.

Also, I see that you do not plan to do this, but I believe Canada is the same in that the disconnect MUST be within sight of the tub. So putting it in the basement, even with a lock, is NOT a consideration.

He does have a spa-pak. Has to have a lockable Disc. here as well, but it can be out of sight.

Ignore smithy, I have decided he is a troll. In one post he says he's 14y.o.

J

Any comments on putting an auxiliary circuit in the GFI box?

Thanks

Thanks
Jim

Seriously? No, it's not "within ten feet".

Easy answer. It means Service Receptacle.