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Installing a 110 volt 20 amp hot tub spa GFCI questions fzbuilder 11-20-2008
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Posted by fzbuilder on November 20, 2008, 1:28 am
Hello, I just picked up a used Hot Springs spa that is 110v 20amp. It
has had the original GFCI plug cut off and replaced with a standard
plug. I am setting the spa up in my garage and plan to share the
receptical for my washing machine that is on a 20amp breaker. (Won't
be running them at the same time). I am wondering if I can use a GCFI
adapter in between the cord and outlet. The spa has 2 breakers on the
control box already. Just want to be safe.
Thanks for any help.

Posted by RBM on November 20, 2008, 6:50 am

> Hello, I just picked up a used Hot Springs spa that is 110v 20amp. It
> has had the original GFCI plug cut off and replaced with a standard
> plug. I am setting the spa up in my garage and plan to share the
> receptical for my washing machine that is on a 20amp breaker. (Won't
> be running them at the same time). I am wondering if I can use a GCFI
> adapter in between the cord and outlet. The spa has 2 breakers on the
> control box already. Just want to be safe.
> Thanks for any help.

I would replace the washer outlet with a GFCI type instead of using an
inline device. Have you tried using the tub without gfci protection, kinda
makes you wonder why the safety was removed in the first place



Posted by terry on November 20, 2008, 7:23 am
>
>
> > Hello, I just picked up a used Hot Springs spa that is 110v 20amp. It
> > has had the original GFCI plug cut off and replaced with a standard
> > plug. I am setting the spa up in my garage and plan to share the
> > receptacle for my washing machine that is on a 20amp breaker. (Won't
> > be running them at the same time). I am wondering if I can use a GCFI
> > adapter in between the cord and outlet. The spa has 2 breakers on the
> > control box already. Just want to be safe.
> > Thanks for any help.
>
> I would replace the washer outlet with a GFCI type instead of using an
> in line device. Have you tried using the tub without GFCI protection, kin=
da
> makes you wonder why the safety was removed in the first place

Having never seen a a GFCI plug or a GFCI adapter I would be very
suspicious about why the plug was cut off.

Very suspicious indeed!!!!!!!!! A possibly suspect (used) device on a
wet concrete floor does not sound like very good recipe for safety (or
death!).

Agree that the safest approach would be to install a proper GFCI for
that device right at the point where it will be plugged in.

However a problem may that devices such as fridges, freezers and
clothes washers etc. are motor driven and can sometimes trip GFCI
outlets, especially as they start up. That is why GFCI are not
recommended for fridge/freezer circuits.

And if a second outlet, not GFCI equipped was installed alongside the
GFCI one there is a danger that the possibly suspect Hot Springs could
be plugged into that thereby unknowingly perhaps, creating a hazard.

Also in case of an accident also there could be the question of
liability or a refusal by an insurance company to honour the terms of
a policy due to 'tampering'! Did (and does device now) comply with UL/
CSA standards.

Sounds like a need to be very careful indeed. And make sure everything
is grounded and bonded including the water supply, as often required
in bathrooms especailly those equipped with Jacuzzis etc.

Posted by RBM on November 20, 2008, 7:36 am

>
>
> > Hello, I just picked up a used Hot Springs spa that is 110v 20amp. It
> > has had the original GFCI plug cut off and replaced with a standard
> > plug. I am setting the spa up in my garage and plan to share the
> > receptacle for my washing machine that is on a 20amp breaker. (Won't
> > be running them at the same time). I am wondering if I can use a GCFI
> > adapter in between the cord and outlet. The spa has 2 breakers on the
> > control box already. Just want to be safe.
> > Thanks for any help.
>
> I would replace the washer outlet with a GFCI type instead of using an
> in line device. Have you tried using the tub without GFCI protection,
> kinda
> makes you wonder why the safety was removed in the first place

Having never seen a a GFCI plug or a GFCI adapter I would be very
suspicious about why the plug was cut off.

Very suspicious indeed!!!!!!!!! A possibly suspect (used) device on a
wet concrete floor does not sound like very good recipe for safety (or
death!).

Agree that the safest approach would be to install a proper GFCI for
that device right at the point where it will be plugged in.

However a problem may that devices such as fridges, freezers and
clothes washers etc. are motor driven and can sometimes trip GFCI
outlets, especially as they start up. That is why GFCI are not
recommended for fridge/freezer circuits.

And if a second outlet, not GFCI equipped was installed alongside the
GFCI one there is a danger that the possibly suspect Hot Springs could
be plugged into that thereby unknowingly perhaps, creating a hazard.

Also in case of an accident also there could be the question of
liability or a refusal by an insurance company to honour the terms of
a policy due to 'tampering'! Did (and does device now) comply with UL/
CSA standards.

Sounds like a need to be very careful indeed. And make sure everything
is grounded and bonded including the water supply, as often required
in bathrooms especailly those equipped with Jacuzzis etc.

Lots of manufacturers are installing GFCI plugs on things like hair dryers
and even airconditioners. It's all a matter of CYA



Posted by fzbuilder on November 20, 2008, 10:58 am
>
>
> > Hello, I just picked up a used Hot Springs spa that is 110v 20amp. It
> > has had the original GFCI plug cut off and replaced with a standard
> > plug. I am setting the spa up in my garage and plan to share the
> > receptical for my washing machine that is on a 20amp breaker. (Won't
> > be running them at the same time). I am wondering if I can use a GCFI
> > adapter in between the cord and outlet. The spa has 2 breakers on the
> > control box already. Just want to be safe.
> > Thanks for any help.
>
> I would replace the washer outlet with a GFCI type instead of using an
> inline device. Have you tried using the tub without gfci protection, kind=
a
> makes you wonder why the safety was removed in the first place

I got it from the original owner who was upgrading to a swim spa. He
claimed the spa had served him well and had replaced heater and pump
recently. Don't know why the GFCI was replaced at the cord, but I can
only conclude that the GFCI plug that came with the spa ,is not a
standard electrical 115v plug type and would not fit into the wall. I
am going to install a GFCI (and rest everything) in the outlet as
recomended and put some mats down. The 2 resets inside the tub are
factory and one is for the heater and one for the pumps overload. Not
sure if they are GFCI. Just will have to unplug the the hot tub to do
laundry for now. Thanks for all the input guys!


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