Why is my hot tub GFCI Tripping?
Posted by
Dan Ried on Fri, Nov 11, 2011 @ 03:56 PM
Your spa was just delivered. You coordinated your electrician to install the GFCI breaker and run the cables. Everything goes great until you set the GFCI and right away...nothing. What happened?
When you get "nothing", that normally means your hot tub GFCI trips as soon as you set it. Even more concerning is the fact that your troubleshooting leads you to believe your spa is the root of the issue. Once you disconnect the spa, the GFCI no longer trips. It has to be the spa then right? Great, time to call customer service....not so fast. This is a common issue so no need to panic. Even though I'm sure your electrician is blaming the circuitry of the spa, most of the time it is infact the electrician that is to blame.
When running 220v to a GFCI breaker at 50 amps, you have to be sure the load neutrals are isloated from the grounds in the GFCI. If they are wired together, the spa pack will trip the breaker immediately. Always be sre to wire the ground properly.
Most manufacturers include wiring diagrams in your spa owner's manual like the one pictured above. Always be sure to refer to these diagrams when wiring to your GFCI breaker. Hot tubs and spas are sometimes wired differently then other home and garden products. So, while your electrician may protest, be sure to hand hime the GFCI wiring diagrams that come with your hot tub instructions to ensure hot water, hydrotherapy bubbles, and smoothe saling from the start.
Check out samples of hot tub wiring diagrams for reference.