16A Hot tub on mini consumer unit

[Roxstedii]

Hi there,

I am new to forum and looking for some advice on a hot tub installation.

I am going to be having a 16A hot tub installed in the next 6 weeks and looking for the best and cheapest way of providing eletrical supply. The hot tub requires a 16A supply with a Type C breaker. The reason for the Type C is because is because type B is too sensitive and will trip when the hot tub first powers up.

The actual consumption of the hot tub when on is 11.8A according to manufacturer.

I am looking to install this through using an existing 32A supply on the consumer unit that supplys power to just the downstairs sockets. Currently there is a Type B circuit breaker installed.

My question is, If I were to install a weatherproof minuture consumer unit outside (branched off an existing spur that is outside ) and install Type C circuit breaker on the mini consumer unit, will this stop the Type B circuit breaker on the main consumer unit from tripping?

I will be using a fully certified electrician to do the work, I just want to be completely sure of my facts before I get the work done and avoid any uneccasary costs.

Any help with this will be greatly apprecaited.

 

[Plonker 3]

If this is in a domestic dwelling. This work should be Part P notified and you have a electrician to do this, he will doing the work so should be able to work out this problem himself won't he?

 

[Taylortwocities]

The electrician will tell you that he cannot connect the feed to your hot tub from the MCB that serves the ring final for the sockets.

The load is too big.

You will need a separate connection (RCD protected too).
Is there a spare space in your consumer unit, on the RCD side?

If not he will need to install a separate mini consumer unit for your hot tub. Together with teh cabling, isolator switch and connectors.

 

[malcolmsanford]

No I'm afraid it would not work, as the B type breaker is feeding the C type you propose.

To be honest there is so much what your hoping to do that is so wrong it is hard to know where to start.

1 Chances are the manufacturer will want this on a dedicated circuit
2 Most certainly also RCD protected.
3 Most electricians who are proper ones would really not be design a 12amp load on a spur of off a ring
4 Is this outside by any chance

To be honest I would advise to get the electrician who is going to sign this off (which I doubt he woulds anyway) to actual design and install you a safe and workable installation

 

[AndyL]

You cannot spur off an existing unfused spur. Also if you have B tyoe and C type breakers in series the B type is still going to trip first (depending on ratings)
A new circuit sounds likely to be required, but as you say your electrician will be able to help you with that

 

[Octopus]

Its impossible to give any real advice without seeing the house/fuseboard etc, etc,

Sorry if this appears unhelpful.

 

[BMelectrics]

touche, what malcolmsanford said

 

[Moses]

No I'm afraid it would not work, as the B type breaker is feeding the C type you propose.

To be honest there is so much what your hoping to do that is so wrong it is hard to know where to start.

1 Chances are the manufacturer will want this on a dedicated circuit
2 Most certainly also RCD protected.
3 Most electricians who are proper ones would really not be design a 12amp load on a spur of off a ring
4 Is this outside by any chance

To be honest I would advise to get the electrician who is going to sign this off (which I doubt he woulds anyway) to actual design and install you a safe and workable installation

Agree with you.

 

[PC Electrics]

Hi there,

I am new to forum and looking for some advice on a hot tub installation.

I am going to be having a 16A hot tub installed in the next 6 weeks and looking for the best and cheapest way of providing eletrical supply.

A contradiction in terms!!

The best way will provide you with years of trouble free, totaly safe service.
The cheapest way could kill you.

It amazes me that someone is going out spending 3 or 4 grand on a hot tub (not to mention the annual running costs), yet are skinflint when it comes to the 3 or 4 hundred it's gonna cost to provide an adequate supply.

It's a bit like buying a car without realising you have to take it to the fuel station once a week!!

Bonkers!

It's so obvious you're a DIYer who is intent on connecting it into your sockets ring final. Wife nag you to check if that's okay did she?

When it all goes horribly wrong later on, will you come back here and let us know, so that I can laugh in your face and say "I told you so".

 

[Tonkatoy27]

As PC says, stop being such a stereotypical cheapskate customer. "I can afford thousands on a hot tub but want to spend £100 to make it work" Get a proper, qualified, approved electrician to carry out the work safely and obtain an elrctrical installation certificate to prove it. Why the hell would you want to install the supply the cheapest way possible if you and your family are sitting in an electrical appliance full of water?