120V & 240V Hot Tub Electrical Installation Requirements

American Spas has Plug n Play Spas that are 120V and Portable Spas that are 240V. Both spas come with a plethora of high quality features and jets, not to mention Eliminator™ Power Frame Pump 6-breaker HP which has the most reliable motors in the industry. With less moving parts, these motors feature two independent winding speeds and a reverse-flow cooling system. Built to last a lifetime! That being said, let’s dive into how to get the spa set up correctly to ensure you get the best performance from your spa every time you open it up and step into relaxation.

120 Volt Electrical Installation 

Always follow applicable local, state and federal codes and guidelines. 

Use only a dedicated electrical line with a 15 amp breaker. 

Cord-and-plug connections may not use a cord longer than 15 feet (4.6 m) and must be plugged into a dedicated 15 amp GFCI connection (NEC 680.42(A) (2)). Do not use extension cords! 

Always use a weatherproof-covered receptacle. 

Receptacle shall be located not less than 5 feet (1.5 m) from and not exceeding 10 feet (3.0 m) from the inside wall of the spa. (NEC 680.43(A)) 

Do not bury the power cord. If your cord becomes damaged, replace it before next usage. 

All 120V spas must have a GFCI. This can be either a 15 amp GFCI receptacle or a 15 amp GFCI cord and plug kit as shown (CKIT110 – P/N ELE09700087). 

Testing the GFCI 

Test the GFCI plug prior to first use and periodically when the spa is powered. 

  1. Plug in the GFCI into the power outlet. The indicator should turn on. 
  2. Press the TEST button. The GFCI will trip, the indicator will turn off, and the spa will stop operating. 
  3. Press the RESET button. The GFCI will reset, the indicator will turn on again, and the spa will turn back on. 

The spa is now safe to use. 

If the GFCI trips while the spa is in use, press the RESET button. If the GFCI does not reset, unplug the spa and call your local Hot tub Repairman for service. DO NOT USE THE SPA!

240 Volt Electrical Installation 

All 240V spas must be permanently connected (hard wired) to the power supply.

These instructions describe the only acceptable electrical wiring procedure. Spas wired in any other way will void your warranty and may result in serious injury. 

When installed in the United States, the electrical wiring of this spa must meet the requirements of NEC 70 and any applicable local, state, and federal codes. 

The electrical circuit must be installed by an electrical contractor and approved by a local building or electrical inspector. 

Failure to comply with state and local codes may result in fire or personal injury and will be the sole responsibility of the spa owner. 

The power supplied to the spa must be on a dedicated GFCI protected circuit as required by NEC 70 with no other appliances or lights sharing the power. 

Use copper wire with THHN insulation. Do not use aluminum wire. 

Use the table below and on the next page to determine your GFCI and wiring requirements. 

Wires that run over 100 feet must increase wire gauge to the next lower number. For example: A normal 50 amp GFCI with four #6 AWG copper wires that run over 100 feet would require you to go to four #4 AWG copper wires. 

Step into Relaxation time & time again

We hope all this information had helped you become more familiar with the requirements for a plug n play and portable spa by American Spas. If you have bought a spa, WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN SPAS FAMILY!

Looking to buy? Contact us today

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