Non-dedicated circuit for whirlpool or hydro jet tub

[Shane Dredge]

I inspected a house today built in 1996 and the hydro message bathtub was on a circuit shared with an exterior outlet. Both were GFCI protected. My question is as follows: Should I do anything more than to make a note in the report that it is often considered a "best practice" to put a hydro message or whirlpool tub on a dedicated circuit. I know that newer code requires it (NEC680.71) but other than nuisance tripping, can not think of a reason why it would be a repair item... PS The access panel was caulked shut so the motor was not accessible.

[Nick Ostrowski]

The access panel was caulked shut so the motor was not accessible.

Sounds like par for the course around here. Finding an access for a whirlpool tub that can actually be opened is a rarity.

As long as it is GFI protected is what matters to me.

[Jerry Peck]

I inspected a house today built in 1996 and the hydro message bathtub was on a circuit shared with an exterior outlet. Both were GFCI protected. My question is as follows: Should I do anything more than to make a note in the report that it is often considered a "best practice" to put a hydro message or whirlpool tub on a dedicated circuit. I know that newer code requires it (NEC680.71) but other than nuisance tripping, can not think of a reason why it would be a repair item... PS The access panel was caulked shut so the motor was not accessible.


The dedicated circuit is new in the 2008 NEC.

The two important things would be GFCI protection AND access which is actually accessible and not caulked and sealed in place.

[Shane Dredge]

Thanks Jerry and Nick

On that note, would you write it up as a repair if you found a home built post 2008 had a hydro tub on a non dedicated circuit as long as it was gfci protected? I have never run across this in a newer home installation.

[Michael Thomas]

Typically, the installation instructions will call for a "separate circuit". I've always interpreted that as a "dedicated" circuit, report the requirement as such, and no electrician has ever disagreed.

[Matt Fellman]

I usually try to get look at the motor area and will often find a sticker right on the tub. I seem to recall running across quite a few older ones that are on shared circuits so I think you're okay there. The access is another story.

[Wayne Carlisle]

Access.......what's the difference? you either take out a handfull of screws or use a razor knife.

[Jerry Peck]

Typically, the installation instructions will call for a "separate circuit". I've always interpreted that as a "dedicated" circuit, report the requirement as such, and no electrician has ever disagreed.

When you have the installation instructions that "is code by reference" as the listed electrical equipment is required to be installed in accordance with its listing and labeling and instructions, 110.3(B), however, ... :D ... when you do not have the installation instruction instructions you cannot pull that genie out of the bottle.

[Jerry Peck]

Access.......what's the difference?

I thought you were a code inspector and knew the codes, and, if so, you would KNOW "what's the difference". :p