Boulderite needs electrical help

I've got this hot tub, was hoping to have a spring yard party/bbq/soak this week but..

just got the new box and Ground Fault Interrupter installed to make it meet Boulder city codes and whatnot. It used to work just fine (illegally) directly wired in at its previous residence. But this new GFI trips out everytime I try to turn it on. My tools and skills are not enough to find the problem. Any climbers out there with knowledge of such things? Hank? Phil?

There is a possibility that the GFCI might be defective. Replacing it with a new one would be the first and easiest step.

I suggested that because I have had a problem with a newly installed GFCI outlet that was defective. I wasted a lot of time troubleshooting before it occurred to me to replace it.

Chances are remote, but something to consider.

Is the GFCI in breaker form, or is it a receptacle? If it's a breaker, it's possible there may be too many neutrals/grounds tied to it. The breaker works on the theory that the current on the line side equal the current on the neutral side. If there are other grounds and neutrals tied to the circuit the wrong way, it may be contributing to the breaker tripping off. Something to check out, anyway.

Kevin Friesen wrote:I suggested that because I have had a problem with a newly installed GFCI outlet that was defective. I wasted a lot of time troubleshooting before it occurred to me to replace it. Chances are remote, but something to consider.

All you need is one can of chernobyl energy drink.

When I read this post, several things come to mind:

Was a GFI used at the previous location? I see you mentioned a "new box and GFI" But was one used in the previous location?

Not to sound like I'm dumbing you down, but did you confirm and see the hot tub working at previous location?

If so, what is the electrical requirements for this hot tub, are you exceeding them with the hot tub and it's electrical draw? Don't forget other items within the same circuit as the hot tub.

Are you going directly to a source that goes into your main electric panel or is it a sub-panel? What size breaker is used in this circuit?

Are there other appliances or items also pulling a draw from this circuit? If so, are they working or not?

Your main panel should have listed 'rooms/circuits' for each breaker. Check them out and make sure the breaker didn't trip, if so reset it and see if it trips again when you try the hot tub.

Are you sure the wiring is correct, hot to hot, ground to ground, neutral to neutral?

Did the hot tub in mention come with wiring diagrams, schematics?

Is just the pump not working, or the heating element, both, all electric devices associated with hot tub not working, (lights, outlets, etc....) Maybe in the moving of the hot tub, some wires were damaged or pulled from the hot tub pump/other devices associated with hot tub operation and contacting metal parts under the hot tub, which could be causing the GFI to trip.

If you need more assistance give me a buzz, I've done numerous wiring projects at home and at other friends houses'. Actually finished up some electrical needs to get my TIG welder up and going.

Juan
970.518.3977

the hot tub was warming and circulating water the day before we unplugged and moved it. It was not however connected in a legal maner. There was no GFI, and though it was used without incident for over a year, it was probably unsafe.

The new setup is a GFI located in a sub panel run straight from the main. No trouble back at the main, no trips there. I know there is power to the sub panel (green led on box).

The main contacts in the Hot tub are wired directly back to the GFI.

i'm not sure how to tell if the GFI is defective. There is a test button below the breaker. if you push it, it clicks down a bit. I then have to click it all the way down to reset it, and then back to the top to turn it back on.

Even with the pump cable, or the cable from the controls up top.. unplugged; the GFI trips whenever I flip the local breaker on. The only other thing that is connected directly is the heater (and all the control wiring). Makes me think the problem is not needing a new pump, but in the heater or controls.

There was a connection incorrect on the neutral in the panel. gonna call and complain about that one tomorrow. Traced the problem back to the pump after all. It turns on, but then trips the gfi. so just a hiccup of water bubbles through. The pump functions, so I'm gonna take it off and get it tested or something.

Hey sorry for lack of reply, been out of computer contact. I have some time Monday to help out if you need it. I posted my number if you wanted to take the step to ask. I don't know what your schedule looks like this week, but I do have some time. Give me a buzz if you want, but Tuesday afternoon and Thursday is out. There's so few replies and lack of someone going to help him, I guess we're all trolls on this post. But if you want me to come and help, I'm willing.....

Juan
970.518.3977

a 3 phase pump can be wired to run backwards, be sure to check that when you're working on this.

not an electrician but know pools and tubs fairly well, and aside from wiring issues, here are some other things to consider. Though it's been a while, the pump running backwards is a possibility as posted above, and another issue can be if the pump isn't cycling water (primed) make sure the lint trap is clean and the impeller is also free of debris. then fill up the lint trap with water, as full as you can, if there are any valves that can be opened or shut, make sure they are open maybe not full though to help build pressure.

not an electrician but know pools and tubs fairly well, and aside from wiring issues, here are some other things to consider. Though it's been a while, the pump running backwards is a possibility as posted above, and another issue can be if the pump isn't cycling water (primed) make sure the lint trap is clean and the impeller is also free of debris. then fill up the lint trap with water, as full as you can, if there are any valves that can be opened or shut, make sure they are open maybe not full though to help build pressure.

happy update: all is well, tub is full and running..

thanks all for the encouragment and advice.

I would never go in a hot tub that was wired by a home owner.
There are to may possibilities why the GFI keeps tripping.
Seek the help of a qualified electrician.
This is cheep insurance.

Dan