tps777 Posted April 7, 2014 Report Share Posted April 7, 2014 I had an electrician come out to check for any problems and/or code violations. One of the things he said was my spa connection was not ok. He said the connection between panel and spa cannot be NM flex conduit, it must be in rigid and buried. I have always seen spas connected with flexible nm conduit, so this is new to me. Has there been a change in the code? I can't imagine burying conduit to come up inside the spa panel - digging out that close to the spa seems tough in the least, and dangerous. Can someone tell me what is the correct way the spa should be corrected? (If I picture would help, lmk and I'll take one and post it.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted April 7, 2014 Report Share Posted April 7, 2014 We don't have enough details to answer the question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tps777 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2014 We don't have enough details to answer the question. There is a breaker panel with GFI breakers a few feet away, there is a piece of NM flex conduit running into the hot tub panel (though a hole that is provided and secures the flex conduit to the hot tub control box). The flex conduit is the question, this electrician said it had to be rigid conduit and buried in the ground. I have never seen a small above ground spa wired this way. Does this help? What other details would help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted April 7, 2014 Report Share Posted April 7, 2014 We don't have enough details to answer the question. There is a breaker panel with GFI breakers a few feet away, there is a piece of NM flex conduit running into the hot tub panel (though a hole that is provided and secures the flex conduit to the hot tub control box). The flex conduit is the question, this electrician said it had to be rigid conduit and buried in the ground. I have never seen a small above ground spa wired this way. Does this help? What other details would help? What's the distance between the panel and the hot tub? (Is it more than 6 feet?) Does the conduit run over the surface of a patio or walkway? How many bends does it have? (Do they total more than 360 degrees?) Is it plain LFNC or is it LFNC-B? Is it in a location where it's subject to physical damage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tps777 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2014 We don't have enough details to answer the question. There is a breaker panel with GFI breakers a few feet away, there is a piece of NM flex conduit running into the hot tub panel (though a hole that is provided and secures the flex conduit to the hot tub control box). The flex conduit is the question, this electrician said it had to be rigid conduit and buried in the ground. I have never seen a small above ground spa wired this way. Does this help? What other details would help? What's the distance between the panel and the hot tub? (Is it more than 6 feet?) Does the conduit run over the surface of a patio or walkway? How many bends does it have? (Do they total more than 360 degrees?) Is it plain LFNC or is it LFNC-B? Is it in a location where it's subject to physical damage? * It is about 7' from the panel to the closest point on the spa. * There is no walkway between the panel and spa. * It is just laying on the ground, any bends are coincidental besides 90' going up into box on both ends. * It is LFNC-B * while it is outside, I don't believe there is anything that could cut or otherwise damage it. The stairs usually cover most of it - then it is under foliage. I put up a couple pictures in case this helps. Click to Enlarge 71.03 KB Click to Enlarge 92.15 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted April 7, 2014 Report Share Posted April 7, 2014 Well, I can see the electrician's concern. It's definitely subject to damage there. You can't just string this stuff along the ground for 7 feet as if it were a garden hose. In addition, this conduit is supposed to be securely fastened at least every 3 feet and within 12 inches of the wiring box and the spa. I'd suggest buried schedule 80 PVC conduit in this location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Port Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 In addition there is a limit of six foot of flexible conduit. Why didn't they come out under the spa skirt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 In addition there is a limit of six foot of flexible conduit. Except for LFNC-B. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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