Hot Tub Electrics

Unless you have managed to create some futuristic way of operating your hot tub without any energy, then it is likely that you are going to need an electrical supply for your spa! Preparing the electrics is not something you will do yourself, but it doesn't hurt to know the basics.

Hot tubs fall into two categories. Most dealers offer plug and play spas, and more powerful spas that need to be wired in directly.

Plug and play spas are relatively straightforward, they simply plug into the nearest 13A socket. If you do not already have a socket in your garden, it should not take more than an hour for an electrician to wire you one in. Given that people are going to be using the spa, it would be wise to pick up a small 13A RCD. The will RCD simply trip and turns the hot tub off if there is a surge of electricity. You can pick these up for a tenner from most electric stores.

Any hot tub which requires more than 13A needs to be wired directly into your electrical supply. These supplies must be installed by a Qualified electrician and comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. It is important you do not attempt to prepare this supply yourself. If you get this wrong not only could you damage your hot tub, but you could also end your life!

Once your electrician has prepared your supply, he will issue you with a BS 7671 certificate. You will need this certificate for your home insurance so do not loose it! Most warranties are also invalid if you fail to present a certificate on request.

So, there are a few things you will need to prepare:

• • MCB
• • RCD
• • Armoured Cabling
• • Rotary Isolation Switch

MCB

Your MCB will cut the power to your hot tub if for there is a surge in electricity. Hot tubs need their own spur from your MCB. They can not be shared with another device or household appliance.

Your MCB should be rated to handle the maximum current of the spa, plus an additional 25%. This allows for a surge when the pumps are first turned on. So, for example, if you have purchased a hot tub which is has a maximum current of 30A, install a 36A breaker at minimum.

RCB

Your electrician will install a suitably rated RCD for your hot tub. An RCD is an extra line of protection both for you, and for the spa. It protects the spa against ground faults. These are commonly caused by damaged or water logged cables.

SWA Cabling

Your outdoor cabling will need to be protected. PVC Piping, or more commonly, Steel Wired Armour (SWA) should do the job perfectly. Your electrician will advise you on the thickness of the cable required.

Please remember that no cabling will be delivered with your hot tub. Your electrician will need to prepare a wire all the way up to the site of the spa, even if your supplier is carrying out the installation.

Rotary Isolation Switch

We always recommend that our customers install a rotary isolation switch. This makes it easy to turn the spa off in the event of us needing to service the spa. An IP65 45amp Rotary Isolator is suitable in most situations.