How long is long?? I want to put a 35 or 45 foot cord and install on 140 gallon ‘softub’ hot tub. OK/Not OK?

Posted by on . 3 comments.


The cord we want to replace the original with is the exact same one (guage & amp) as the original and ends in a GFI box/plug. We wanted to replace the cord since we're not supposed to use an extension cord. Thoughts?



Comments

  1. Hondu says:
    November 20, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    It’s ok as long as you use the proper guage wire for the distance and amperage requirements of your tub. Longer distances require larger wire. A regular extension cord certainly wouldn’t be heavy enough and may not be weather proof.

  2. Chris says:
    November 20, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    not a problem…just make sure you use the correct size wire for the application and distance

    Wire has a certain resistance to the flow of electricity. The longer the run the more resistance. If the run is too long you can get some voltage drop. The wire can get hot. The appliance might not work properly. It could be a fire hazard. Going one size bigger wire will not hurt. When in doubt oversize the wire. Not the breaker. Just the wire.

    Despite popular belief the breaker protects the wire not the appliance.

  3. Charlie F says:
    November 20, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    I bet if you read the instructions they say do not operate this device on an extension cord. I’d have a electrictoin run an underground wire to the tub and install a GFI plug.

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