GFCI outlet at jacuzzi tub - InspectionNews

Jody Humbert · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 11:39 AM

When I first started inspecting homes around 2 1/2 years ago, I would view under the jacuzzi tubs inside the framing for any issues. I was seeing a lot of unsecured outlets(GFCI or standard with GFCI breaker in Panel) just laying on the subflooring. I would write this up as defective and recommend securing to framing for safety and call for further evaluation by a qualified electrician. I never could get a reply from the local building inspector. I have since called multiple electricians who have said it is a none issue because the local building inspector allows this. I would appreciate any comments. I'm not going to continue to write it up if I get no help from the trades or local building inspectors. This just makes me look bad and needless money is being spent for evaluation. Thanks

wayne soper · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 11:59 AM

All boxes are required to be properly attached to teh framing, whether the local B.S.A's allow it or not.

Jerry McCarthy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 12:07 PM

Jody
All receptacle outlets should be secured, even those under whirlpool bathtubs.
And by the way, unless those tubs you’re inspecting are actually manufactured by Jacuzzi I would stop referring to them by that name. Use the terminology “whirlpool” or “therapeutic” bathtubs, not Jacuzzi which is a brand name and highly protected by the folks at Jacuzzi. The codes refer to them as “whirlpool bathtubs.” See IRC 2006 #2720.

Jody Humbert · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 12:46 PM

Thanks for the comments guys. I will continue to write them up. I am also going to try to contact the local authority and ask why they are not enforcing this.

Gunnar Alquist · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy

Jody
All receptacle outlets should be secured, even those under whirlpool bathtubs.
And by the way, unless those tubs you’re inspecting are actually manufactured by Jacuzzi I would stop referring to them by that name. Use the terminology “whirlpool” or “therapeutic” bathtubs, not Jacuzzi which is a brand name and highly protected by the folks at Jacuzzi. The codes refer to them as “whirlpool bathtubs.” See IRC 2006 #2720.

I thought they were referred to as "hydromassage".

Jerry McCarthy · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 04:58 PM

Gunner
Hydromassagae works for me but the codes refer to them as "Whirlpool Bathtubs" so that's probably the safest road to travel, you think?

Jim Luttrall · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 05:19 PM

IRC 2003 - E4102 uses "hydromassage bathtubs", so pretty much either term would be OK if using the code book terms.

Jerry Peck · #8 (**permalink**) 10-02-2008, 11:04 AM

From the 2006 IRC.

SECTION P2720
WHIRLPOOL BATHTUBS

SECTION E4109
- HYDROMASSAGE BATHTUBS
- - HYDROMASSAGE BATHTUB. A permanently installed bathtub equipped with a recirculating piping system, pump, and associated equipment. It is designed so it can accept, circulate and discharge water upon each use.

From the NEC. (any edition)
- ARTICLE 680 Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations
- - 680.2 Definitions.
- - - Hydromassage Bathtub. A permanently installed bathtub equipped with a recirculating piping system, pump, and associated equipment. It is designed so it can accept, circulate, and discharge water upon each use.
- - VII. Hydromassage Bathtubs

They are, then, by most codes and by definition, "hydromassage bathtubs".