HOT TUB QUERY

[Wayne Sangwell]

I have a "lazy spa" type of hot tub thats at the bottom of a small garden 12-15m

I need to get a power supply there.

Am i correct in saying as I do not use my electric cooker point in the kitchen at all, i could extend this via 6mm twin and earth to a garage consumer box and have a plug socket takenoff of this.

Many Thanks for your help.

The spa has a normal 13amp plug.

 

[Andy™]

possibly, however more needs to be considered such as earthing type, RCD proteection etc

also T&E isnt suitable for use outside

 

[Wayne Sangwell]

possibly, however more needs to be considered such as earthing type, RCD proteection etc

also T&E isnt suitable for use outside

Thanks Andy, 

The consumer unit would have an RCD built in, could you not use earth from cooker point? Armoured cable??

 

[Andy™]

the buildings earth may not be suitable if its TNCS. the earth may need to be disconencted and a local earth rod fitted.

 

[Murdoch]

This is one of the jobs where DIY is not recommended 

 

[Wayne Sangwell]

the buildings earth may not be suitable if its TNCS. the earth may need to be disconencted and a local earth rod fitted.

The building is ALL wood, i would obviously be looking at doing this myself and getting it signed off.

So i assume id need an earth poke fitted.

This is one of the jobs where DIY is not recommended 

I would obviously get someone to sign any work i do off. 

Another has suggested 2 cosummer boatds, 1 inside the house before cable goes outside, then another in the shed 

 

[Rob.]

I would obviously get someone to sign any work i do off.  

You've no idea how often we hear this. 

It's more difficult than you think to get an electrician to sign work off he has not designed and completed himself due to the legality of it.

 

[Doc Hudson]

The building is ALL wood, i would obviously be looking at doing this myself and getting it signed off.

So i assume id need an earth poke fitted.

I would obviously get someone to sign any work i do off. 

Another has suggested 2 cosummer boatds, 1 inside the house before cable goes outside, then another in the shed 

If by 'signed off' you mean get someone to issue an Electrical certificate in accordance with BS7671 wiring regulations, then its probably best speaking to that person now, at the design stage. Because the signed declaration on an electrical certificate covers; 'design, installation, inspection & testing' of the alteration(s). As such it carries legal obligations responsibilities and duties of the person who's name is in the box. Obviously due to the potential dangers and risks of sub-standard electrical work, very few competent electricians are willing to put their name to anything they have not being involved with designing or overseeing the installation.  If you speak to your guy who is going to be providing the paperwork, they should be able to advise you as to what bits you can/can't do, to ensure it all gets done to a safe standard. (If on the other hand if you want to 'DIY' it, and just get a scribbled note from you mate down the pub saying that the tub seems to heat up the water so it must be working ok,  then go ahead with whatever you think is best.)  The last thing you want is someone arriving after you have done your work, to say it does not comply with regulations. Outdoor wiring and Water are two areas of increased risk and danger and unfortunately there are some checks and tests that can only be done on-site when evaluating the most suitable design for a new circuit. What do the manufactures installation instructions say? Unless it is simply plug it in to a local socket, then I am not aware of any that suggest it is a DIY task. Typically wording such as 'must be installed by a competent/qualified electrician', is used.

Doc H. 

 

[Murdoch]

The building is ALL wood, i would obviously be looking at doing this myself and getting it signed off.

So i assume id need an earth spike fitted.

Not sure the construction material is relevant.

Anybody who approaches me BEFORE this sort of work can do the labouring, but no more.

We have to site exams, updates, pay for insurances, specialist tools etc and giving away our skills isn't really sensible. Try getting an accountant to do your tax returns for free, or a solicitor for doing your will, or BMW telling you how to replace the pads on your car ...............