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I have ordered a small spa that recommends the use of a 20a 110v line. I have a 15a gfci breaker that is connected to two bathroom outlets and the outside rear receptacle. It appears that the circuit wire is 3-wire 12 awg. I would like to replace the breaker with a 20a gfci breaker and install a 20a receptacle out back? Any thoughts on this doing the trick? Thanks.
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A circuit using # 12 copper conductor has an ampacity of 20 amps. Therefor the fuse or circuit breaker can be rated for 20 amps. Since this existing wiring is already serving other outlets,etc, you would be best to install a new dedicated circuit for this spa. Hube -
Hube is right on, it is against code to tap a bathroom receptacle circuit for this. You must run a dedicated circuit for your spa, that is why the manufacturer recommended a 20 amp circuit, your spa will require this power.
I would also not change your bathroom GFCI breaker for anything higher than the 15 amp breaker currently there. If any wiring in this entire circuit is 14 gauge then it must remain at 15 amps in order to protect this wire. If you cannot see all wiring on this circuit to verify the entire run is 12 gauge then you will be subjecting yourself to a safety hazzard.Comment
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Another thing to consider. A 110 volt 20 amp spa takes FOREVER to heat up. We are talking days. Any spa worth it's salt runs on 220 volts 50 amps.
Did you ever see OHM'S mother in LAW?...... SHOCKING!quote:Originally posted by jay383
I have ordered a small spa that recommends the use of a 20a 110v line. I have a 15a gfci breaker that is connected to two bathroom outlets and the outside rear receptacle. It appears that the circuit wire is 3-wire 12 awg. I would like to replace the breaker with a 20a gfci breaker and install a 20a receptacle out back? Any thoughts on this doing the trick? Thanks.<i>Did you ever see OHM\'S mother in LAW?</i>...... <font color=\"red\">SHOCKING!</font id=\"red\">Comment
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ditto ditto ditto,
YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF JUST GET IT INSPECTED. wHERE i LIVE I CAN DO IT MYSELF AND STILL DRAW A PERMIT.
The inspectors are really always helpful and are not their to fali or pernalize you, as some people might think, but to prevent you from burning your house down and many times will tell how to do the work, off the record...but hey you pay for the permit and the expertise to get the job done right.
some places require a masters elec. lic....
but hey get the book one of 2: black and deckers complete guide to home wiring and wiring simplified ($5 home depot).
the latter condenses the 2002 nec in laymans terms for home stuff and is really quite the resource for your house...
the 2 are must have if you even dream about being the big hero in your house.....
the 220 circuit is no harder than running the 110. And guess what you can do it yourself...
do google searches on this topic, visit DIYNET.com as welll as the bobvilla website.....keep us posted..have fun-ya hear!!!![8D]It's sometimes better to be lucky than smart.quote:Originally posted by irregularjoe
Another thing to consider. A 110 volt 20 amp spa takes FOREVER to heat up. We are talking days. Any spa worth it's salt runs on 220 volts 50 amps.
Did you ever see OHM'S mother in LAW?...... SHOCKING!quote:Originally posted by jay383
I have ordered a small spa that recommends the use of a 20a 110v line. I have a 15a gfci breaker that is connected to two bathroom outlets and the outside rear receptacle. It appears that the circuit wire is 3-wire 12 awg. I would like to replace the breaker with a 20a gfci breaker and install a 20a receptacle out back? Any thoughts on this doing the trick? Thanks.It\'s sometimes better to be lucky than smart.Comment
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