Hi all, looking at moving the hot tub up to the top of the garden but unsure on cable choice. I'm currently using an IP66 external socket connected to an RCD on an inside plug (cable through wall). The hot tub then plugs into the external socket.
Had this setup running for the last couple of years, I assume it's safe enough and have not had any issues. However I'm looking at moving the hot tub up to the top of the garden and wondering what sort of cable would be appropriate. As far as I can see, the safest bet to manage the 2kw heater would be 10mm SWA. It will be ran along the side of the house (under conduit) for about 5m, then under 10m of concrete followed by 10m of soil. Is this a safe way to do it?
Cheers, James
Just like to update this as I feel I have worded it slightly wrong. Its not actually a fixed hot tub, it's a Lay Z Spa - we just call it the hot tub
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
There's a number of important safety consideration here, in addition to the cable size and I would strongly advise engaging a qualified electrician.
For hot tubs, it's recommended to follow the requirements for special locations 702, which covers important aspects such as zoning and placement of sockets etc.
You will also need to consider the earthing arrangement, since it is quite possible you will need an earth spike added if you exporting PME earth. I'd also be uncomfortable without reviewing the RCD arrangement.
For the cable size, 10mm seems to be over spec'd. But there's many aspects that influence it (grouping, temperature etc) which you may have not mentioned here. Electrician seems like the best route.
There are many way to achieve this -
Here are some regs you may want to consider - Hot tub are classed as swimming pools and can get complicated....
2kw fixed equipment should really be installed on a separate circuit and not connected to the ring main.
If the hot tub is a distance from the house earth then a separate earth rod is advised (if the property is PME) The PME then not used for the hot tub only to protect the 'feed' cable
If its a fixed installation then think of part P certification.
I'll leave it with you
Thanks
David Stott
Answered14 May 2020
1
Anonymous user
Hi james
A 6mm 2 core cable would be sufficient for that load over that distance then
Fed into an rcd board and earth staked to your socket
And connected to a 5s distribution circuit from your existing board
But get a ticket for it, some say they will and then they never do !
Adrian Bsd
The earth rod stuff is a myth. 10mm is way over the top. Please don’t attempt this as a diy job, engage an electrician who can design, install and test and also give you a certificate.
