Before carrying out the electrical connection of a spa, it is important to ensure that the installation complies with the Canadian Electrical Code.
We recommend using an underground power supply cable with NMWU insulation. Use copper conductors only to ensure proper connections. Do not use aluminum wire.
The Canadian Electrical Code uses the term “hot tub” to define a “spa.” Section 68, Swimming pools, hydromassage bathtubs, relaxation tubs, and whirlpool tubs, is dedicated to this equipment.
Spa or hot tub — a pool or tub designed for the immersion of persons in heated water circulated in a closed system incorporating a filter, heater, and pump, and with or without a motor-driven blower, but not intended to be filled and drained with each use.
Hydromassage bathtub — a permanently installed bathtub having an integral or remote water pump or air blower, and having a fill and drain water system; this term includes therapeutic pools.
The following diagram shows a spa wiring connection. Pay close attention to the configuration of the neutral conductor (white) connected to the ground‑fault circuit interrupter. *Note that the grounding conductor (panel side) must not be connected to the neutral bus, but to the grounding bus intended for that purpose.
68-068 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters
Class A ground-fault circuit interrupters shall be installed:
a) in a location that will facilitate the testing required (…);
b) not closer than 3 m to the pool water except as permitted by Item c); and
c) not closer than 3 m to the pool water in a spa or hot tub and not closer than 1.5 m to a hydromassage bathtub, unless the Class A ground fault circuit interrupter is an integral part of an approved factory-built spa, hot tub, or hydromassage bathtub or is located behind a barrier that will prevent the occupant of the pool from contacting the device
68-404 Controls and Other Electrical Equipment
4) Except for a spa or hot tub installed at a dwelling unit, an emergency shut-off switch shall be installed for each spa or hot tub that:
a) disconnects the motors supplying power to the closed water circulating systems;
b) is independent of the controls for a spa or hot tub;
c) is located at a point readily accessible to the users and within sight of and within 15 m of the
spa or hot tub;(…)
When installing a relaxation tub or whirlpool basin, it is important to respect the minimum installation distances for nearby receptacles.
68-064 Receptacles
1) Receptacles shall not be located within 1.5 m of the inside walls of a pool.
2) Receptacles located between 1.5 m and 3 m of the inside walls of a pool shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type
3) In maintaining the dimensions referred to in this Rule, the distance to be measured shall be the shortest path that the power supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a building floor, wall, or ceiling.
The information contained in this article has been prepared with care and is, in our opinion, accurate. However, should an error have occurred inadvertently, Trades Exam (Formation Metiers inc.) assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or compliance of any information contained herein, nor for the use made of this information by the reader. Readers are encouraged to consult official documents in order to validate the information.