Is it possible to be electrocuted in a spa?

Posted by on . 3 comments.


If the heat element in the electric heater were to break or rupture?



Comments

  1. thewrangler_sw says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    From the heating element itself? Only if ALL the failsafes, well, failed.

    A heating element works by resistance…. it has to have current flowing across it…if it breaks, there's a change in the resistance. That heating element is run from a controller board, or other circuitry built into the spa…. there are fuses/breakers in there to prevent an overload. Then… the power supply TO the spa, (by code in most locations) has to be a GFCI circuit breaker. These things work by constantly measuring the amps running across the circuit, and if it notices a spike, it cuts the power off in milliseconds. (I think most will shut off in 15 thousandths of a second.)

    Statistically, you'd be more likely to be electrocuted because someone thought they'd run a tv or radio off of an extension cord to a non-GFCI outlet, and it got knocked into the spa. Or you grabbed an improperly grounded light pole. Ive heard of people being electrocuted by lamp posts near pools and spas (they touched one while wet), and I know there have been a few cases of an appliance getting knocked into the water…I, personally, do not know anyone who was IN a pool, spa, or bath when this has happened, but I've heard of it.
    Ive never heard of anyone being harmed by electrocution because the heating element went bad. (And I spent some time working for a spa manufacturer – lots of stories, lol).

    All GFCI outlets have a "Test" button, and should be checked as part of the routine maintenance… I check mine every six months, when I change smoke alarm batteries, or when I change a light bulb near the outlet, or junction box. Press the "Test" button and it should instantly pop out, turning the power off to that circuit.

    Have Fun

  2. evilsmurfnavy says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    Only in the good ones ;)
    ** BZZZZAP ** Ahh, that's the spot.

  3. dumplingmuffin says:
    June 18, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    sure is

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