I've read an earlier post on similar subject but it is dated from March so decided to start a new one. I understand about 98% of what I need to wire up my new hot tub.

My tub requires a 40AMP dedicated breaker and is about 35 feet from the panel. So I am going with 8 guage, 4 wire. The actual breaker I am pulling from is 70 amp (just because it was already in place), however I am installing a subpanel where lines exit the outer wall of home with a 40amp breaker.

My question is on the subpanel. There is one bus with 2 connections on top, two on bottom (entry, exit I guess?). I think this is the neutral and is the basis of my question. Can someone help to ensure I am using the correct neutral and assuming that is it, where does the regular ground go? (on the metal case I know but anywhere specific? hardware required?).

Appreciate your help.

Eric

First I wouldn't use the 70 amp breaker because it will not protect the wires. You can't use a breaker rated larger then the rating of the wire. In the sub panel you should have 2 buss bars for power. Then you have 2 terminal strips 1 for the ground and 1 for the neutral. All the grounds hook up to the ground strip. The neutral from the main panel hooks up to the neutral strip. Then take the neutral wire from the GFCI breaker and hook it up to the same neutral strip. The neutral from the spa gets hooked up to the neutral lug on the breaker. This diagram might help: http://www.masterspas.com/wiring.asp

Ok, will replace that 70 then with a 40 no problem. What is confusing me here is I purchase the subpanel and a 40amp breaker. The way you describe is as if the breaker contains this neutral wire? Also, there is only 1 bus inside and I believe that is the neutral bus and that the actual ground I will have to screw to the case.

I guess I should ask this basic question. Is the 40amp breaker that I have for this subpanel the same as a GFCI? From what I can tell in this diagram is that the white passes through both hots exiting the breaker.

If you can give a call, it would be far easier. 410-306-0487.

THanks,

Eric

What type of sub panel did you buy? I just bought a 50 amp Cutler Hammer Spa Panel from Home Depot for $89. You either have to have a GFCI in the main panel or put one in the sub panel. In my opinion it is better to have it in the sub panel in case it trips then you don't have to go down the basement or into the garage to reset it. The GFCI breaker has a neutral wire built right into the breaker and then you can hook it up like the diagram you've seen.

I just bought a 50 amp Cutler Hammer GFCI. There is a screw in the box for bonding the case to neutral, when it is required. How do I know if it's required? Also my main service is a Murry. It has a neutral bar and a ground bar. Also a pig tail to mate them together. Should the neutral stay apart from the ground bar or is it best to pig tail them together?