I am thinking of upgrading my 1 hp 115v pump to 1.5hp 240 v. I currently have a gfi 20amp breaker on the main panel.Should I change the gfi to a standard 240 breaker and try to pull a fourth 12 ga wire through (50 feet of 1/2″ conduit). I will then need a 20amp GFI breaker (difficult to find and seem to be expensive) at the tub.The alternative would be to run a subpanel at the tub with new 6/3wg and hook up a Homeline 50amp panel,but this may be over kill. Any suggestions as to best way to proceed
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Fine Homebuilding is excited to be the official media partner of the 2024 Building Science Symposium series! This event offers builders, tradesmen, architects, designers and suppliers to discuss topics ranging…
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
I am not sure what youre needs are. Because you will also have a heater.
Many tubs can be hooked up to 120/20 amp or 240/50 amps.
But when looked up to 120 to things happen. First the heater output is much less so that it takes longer to recover.
But more important the heater can run when the pump is on and I have heard that they get cold.
In the past most used a single 240/50 amp connection. But now I have seen more that needs two separate connections (240/30 and 240/20?).
You can get a 240/50 packaged with GFCI breaker to use as both the GFIC and the local disconnect at the tub. They are common at the home horror stores.
Don't new if there are any prepacked 30 & 20 amp products.
But since this won't be a stanard unit any more I would go with a sub-panel with 240/30 and 240/20 GFCI breakers.
On those sizes you will probably need to go to an electrical supply house.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Thanks for your help. I have a gas heater so only need 20 amps. I could use the 50amp package which is reasonably price but will then need to change the feed wire to 6/3wg to make it code. I think it will better to install a subpanel and stick with a four wire 12 ga to the tub but as you say 240/20amp gfi's do not seem to be readily available. Thanks again
240/20amp gfi's do not seem to be readily available
Any electrical supplier.
Ed
There is not need for 4 wire. You are using 240 only. Not 120/240.What you do is to remark the neutral as a hot. Wrap it with black or red tape on each end..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
The new pump says it is a four wire. I know I can run 240 on three but does code for Hot tubs require seperate ground. I could sink a ground rod near the tub and use that. Pulling a fourth wire is going to be difficult. Incidently the current hook up is run in conduit from the main box. Thanks for your input
"The new pump says it is a four wire."Is the manual/instructions for it on line? I would like to see why it requires 4 wires. Does not make sense."I know I can run 240 on three but does code for Hot tubs require seperate ground. I could sink a ground rod near the tub and use that.No. Very dangerous.One of the concepts is BONDING everything to make sure that you have an equalpotential plane.A ground rod is only good for absorbing large surges (lighting). It has way to high of resistance for other usess..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I don't have it yet but the supplier said it requires a four wire system. The manual is on http://www.pentairpool.com The pump is gong to be 1 1/2 hp superflo whisperflo. It does mention a grounding screw. I do have three covered wires on the existing hook up. One is used for the ground. Thanks