Now the homeowner who wanted a whirlpool tub then after we installed a dedicated 15 amp circuit for the pump/jets decided he didn’t want it, then decided he did, now has decided he wants the heater too. So does the heater require its own dedicated circuit as well? or can it share the one we ran for the pump? Am not looking forward to ripping up the drywall we installed then ripped out for the first dedicated circuit and now have reinstalled, mudded and painted so we can run a second wire to the tub! This is getting real old! We have a GSCI for both the pump and the heater to plug into, but the guy I work with is afraid when both are running they will trip the breaker. I am not the lead on this, so I don’t know what the pump and heater really require–obviously I am not an electrician (but am fast becoming an expert at rippingout and installing drywall).
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Well, the good news is that you are paid by the hour. If you need some consolation, find it there.
The circuit requirement is based on what the pump and heater both draw. You have to know that information for anyone to answer the question.
It's possible that the heater is 240 volt and the pump 120, so that would require two circuits just because of the different voltages.
I just read my previous post after it went up. I meant the first line as lighthearted, but it doesn't read that way the second time around. Sorry. Time for bed.
I took your first line as humor; no apology necessary. I'm glad you answered.
Seems like the guy I work with said the pump draws no more than 7-11 amps and the heater is 110 and draws 15. But then he told me that he didn't have a 15 amp breaker, so he used a 20. Sop I suppose we should at least change out the 15 amp GFCI for a 20 amp.
I (not being an electrician) said, "Why not install them both on the one circuit and if it keeps kicking out the breaker or the GFCI trips, then we'll run the second wire." Seems like it's awfully close, but then we're dealing with electricity where close can get you hurt or killed. Seems like they should make this very clear when you buy the tub that it will require two dedicated circuits if you use all the bells and whistles (like running the pump for the jets is an "extra" in a whirlpool tub!).
Danno, the spec sheet or installation instructions should spell out the requirements. If none, call the supplier.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Yeah, I was afraid someone would tell me that--but was figuring on grabbing the instructions from Marc and looking at them myself this morning (in fact should leave right now)--part of the problem is he is farsighted and doesn't wear glasses, so I'm not sure he saw everything. Plus, like most of us, he doesn't like reading and following instructions. I'll grab the sheet and maybe have to make a call. Wonder if we still have an extra sheet of drywall in the garage....
What gauge wire did you run? Hope he did not put that 20 amp breaker on a 14 ga. wire.
If the heater is 120v/15a and the pump is 7-11 amps , you are over 20 amp with that combination on the same circuit.
A seperate 20 amp circuit for the 15 amp heater is needed here, and be sure to use the correct gauge wire, #12 cu.
Is this install being inspected?
Dave
We ran 12 gage wire. The guy I work with has decided how he's going to do it, so I'm out of it. And the answer to your question is no. I'm sorry I brought it up--not because of your responses, but because I read the directions and know what should be done, but.... basically the guy is relying on what someone at Lowe's told him.
That is scarey!
Hope he has good insurance if his other work follows someone at Lowes suggestion.
Dave
In case it ends up back in your court: Some tubs/whirlpools can be ordered either voltage or field-switched from 120 to 240. My could. I had it initially at 120-volts (1500 wats) until I got around to pulling a 240-volt circuit (and run the heater at 6,000 watts).
But if there is a 1500-watt, 240-volt heater available and the motor and be switched or reordered, then you might be able to run both on 240-volts. Wrap the white wire of the 12/2 in red tape on both ends and you're well under the 20-amp limit without having to pull new wire, trash the sheetrock, etc.
I think that you are thinking of SPA's which always have heaters.
Most whirlpool tubs don't have heaters so they only 120.
But you can get add on heaters, not to get the tub hot, but just to counter the loss of heat from blowing the air in. So they would not be near as big as on the SPA's.
But if the manufacturer makes a European model, then they'd have a 220 version of the pump and heater. A small chance, probably.
David Thomas Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
Thanks for the message--I'll talk to the "boss" about it; the heater says 240 is available for the European market, not US, but maybe it could be ordered. What a PITA!
Absolutely. You need a dedicated separate GFI line. I researched this when I put my own in. Make sure it's the right amperage.