I have a concrete slab which can fit a hot tub approximately at a distance of 8 feet from the main breaker panel (located outside on my porch). I assume that I will still need a separate disconnect for the hot tub (minimum of 5 ft from the tub). Can I just pop the disconnect box (with GFCI breaker and 120V outlet) directly next to the main breaker box and then run my #6 cables from there to the hot tub (~20 ft total)? Or does the disconnect need to be separated from the main for some reason? Thanks!
-Phil
Best Answer
The pertinent parts of Article 680 I have quoted here:
680.40 refers to Part I and the requirement for a disconnect is in Part I (630.12).
This commentary is from the 2011 NEC Handbook:
Notice here it says unless the disconnect is separated from the water by a "permanent barrier". If you have a permanent barrier such as a partition between the tub and the disconnect it can be closer than 5 feet. Otherwise 5' is your minimum distance.
So, you were reading the code correctly you need a disconnect in-sight of the spa and mounting next to the main panel will work just fine. Or using a breaker in the panel will work as you and Speedy Petey were discussing.