Hot tub wiring help

gabyjane

I wonder if anyone can help.

I bought an inflatable hot tub some time ago but am yet to sort the logistics of getting it set up.

I have an outdoor socket. I have an extension lead to run from this to the hot tub but I need to make sure that the hot tub plug that is going into the extension is safely covered. I have had an electrician round who has quoted me twice the price of the hot tub to put armoured cable down so that isn't an option. He mentioned getting a waterproof box but I don't really know what I'm looking for?

Does anyone know what box he is referring to?
Thanks

Dan-Dan

http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/weatherproof-switches-sockets/cat830538

brightontraveller

gabyjane wrote: »

I wonder if anyone can help.

I bought an inflatable hot tub some time ago but am yet to sort the logistics of getting it set up.

I have an outdoor socket. I have an extension lead to run from this to the hot tub but I need to make sure that the hot tub plug that is going into the extension is safely covered. I have had an electrician round who has quoted me twice the price of the hot tub to put armoured cable down so that isn't an option. He mentioned getting a waterproof box but I don't really know what I'm looking for?

Does anyone know what box he is referring to?
Thanks

If you already have outside socket without RCD prtection simply buy a Plug in RCD to go into lead e.g (plenty of different shapes styles out there etc)
http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-rcd-adaptor/63731?kpid=63731&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical%20and%20Lighting-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical%20and%20Lighting&gclid=CJu0hcfCrMwCFZAW0wod45oMeA

Lead with rcd already there
http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-case-reel-rcd-4g-240v-20m/77639?kpid=77639&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical%20and%20Lighting-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical%20and%20Lighting&gclid=CKqd0KHArMwCFfgW0wodlhoHMQ

If existing outside socket is waterproof type but may not have independent RCD protection (just spur from ring etc you could replace spur with
http://www.screwfix.com/p/safetysure-13a-rcd-fused-spur-white/26963
Or if circuits not covered by mains CU with RCD you maybe able to add one to it
e.g RCBO
http://www.screwfix.com/p/bg-20a-single-pole-b-type-rcbo/36786#_=p
RCD
http://www.screwfix.com/p/rcd-40a-30ma-double-pole-type-ac/52457
Or outside socket you may be able to change just the face plate to an RCD one e.g
http://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-13a-2g-rcd-switched-plug-socket/3133j
If it works on an outside socket chances are it would also on a extension lead all you need to know is the load hot tub will take it e.g 5 amp load = ten amp extension lead? and plug it in from indoors
As your unlikely to leave it /or use it it the rain or being inflatable its not going to be there permanently (most deflate within hours anyhow cant see why you need permanent external socket for non permanent item ?
Loads types of RCD RCBO etc are as examples you need the correct type make for your CU etc but it not rocket science

There are a multitude of options that don't require swa or waterproof box

gabyjane

brightontraveller wrote: »

If you already have outside socket without RCD prtection simply buy a Plug in RCD to go into lead e.g (plenty of different shapes styles out there etc)
http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-rcd-adaptor/63731?kpid=63731&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical%20and%20Lighting-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical%20and%20Lighting&gclid=CJu0hcfCrMwCFZAW0wod45oMeA

Lead with rcd already there
http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-case-reel-rcd-4g-240v-20m/77639?kpid=77639&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical%20and%20Lighting-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical%20and%20Lighting&gclid=CKqd0KHArMwCFfgW0wodlhoHMQ

If existing outside socket is waterproof type but may not have independent RCD protection (just spur from ring etc you could replace spur with
http://www.screwfix.com/p/safetysure-13a-rcd-fused-spur-white/26963
Or if circuits not covered by mains CU with RCD you maybe able to add one to it
e.g RCBO
http://www.screwfix.com/p/bg-20a-single-pole-b-type-rcbo/36786#_=p
RCD
http://www.screwfix.com/p/rcd-40a-30ma-double-pole-type-ac/52457
Or outside socket you may be able to change just the face plate to an RCD one e.g
http://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-13a-2g-rcd-switched-plug-socket/3133j
If it works on an outside socket chances are it would also on a extension lead all you need to know is the load hot tub will take it e.g 5 amp load = ten amp extension lead? and plug it in from indoors
As your unlikely to leave it /or use it it the rain or being inflatable its not going to be there permanently (most deflate within hours anyhow cant see why you need permanent external socket for non permanent item ?
Loads types of RCD RCBO etc are as examples you need the correct type make for your CU etc but it not rocket science

There are a multitude of options that don't require swa or waterproof box

Thanks for your reply. It is rocket science to me as I know not a lot about electrics! Your post tbh has totally confused me as I don't know what socket it is outside! Also even though its inflatable it is designed to stay up?! it takes a lot of water so I'm not planning on it being put up and down?!

brightontraveller

I thought you had an electrician give you a quote? did they give you alternatives? They would know them(or should) You don't wish to take it up and down is sought of irrelevant still wouldn't be classed as fixed, permanent etc
There would be no reason for it not to be on an extension lead with RCD (Most are low current draw and 110v also ) you said was too high the alternatives I gave you alternatives ranging from £15 upwards ? If you ask an electrician to give you pricing for the above you should get it powered up at a price you are happy with? If you post pic of outdoor socket, .your fuse board and make/model of hot tub you will likely get an exact answer ?