Residential Electrical Services
Hot Tub Wiring
in Vancouver, WA
Hot tubs need their own 240-volt circuit, a GFCI-protected disconnect, and proper bonding of all nearby metal. You can't plug one into a regular outlet. The wiring runs from your electrical panel to a dedicated outdoor disconnect, and from there to the hot tub. Newman Electric does hot tub wiring across Vancouver, WA. Ryan and the crew have wired hot tubs on decks, patios, and inside screened enclosures. We pull the permit, run the circuit, install the disconnect, and get it inspected so you can fill the tub and turn it on.
Hot Tub Electrical
Three Things Every Hot Tub Needs
Hot tubs fall under NEC Article 680, the same section that covers swimming pools. The code treats them seriously because water and electricity are involved. Every installation needs these three things.
A Dedicated 240-Volt Circuit
Most hot tubs draw 40 to 50 amps at 240 volts. That means a dedicated circuit from your electrical panel with the right gauge wire (usually 6 AWG for 50-amp or 8 AWG for 40-amp). The circuit runs through conduit from the panel to the disconnect and from the disconnect to the hot tub. Newman Electric sizes the wire and breaker to match your specific hot tub's electrical specs.
A GFCI Disconnect Within Line of Sight
The NEC requires a disconnect switch within line of sight of the hot tub, at least 5 feet from the water's edge. The disconnect must include GFCI protection. This lets you shut the power off from outside the tub if something goes wrong. Newman Electric installs the disconnect on a post, on the side of the house, or on a nearby structure, wherever makes sense for your layout.
Proper Bonding of All Nearby Metal
NEC 680.26 requires that all metal within 5 feet of the hot tub be bonded together. That includes metal deck railings, metal fence posts, metal conduit, and any other conductive surfaces near the tub. Bonding equalizes the voltage potential between these surfaces so that stray current doesn't create a shock hazard. Newman Electric installs the bonding wire and connects everything per code.
The Process
How Hot Tub Wiring Works
Hot tub wiring is a straightforward project. Most jobs take a day. Newman Electric handles the permit, the wiring, the disconnect, the bonding, and the inspection. You just need to tell us where the tub is going and give us the electrical spec sheet from the manufacturer.
Check the panel and plan the run
We verify your panel has space for a 50-amp 240V breaker and figure out the best route to run conduit from the panel to the disconnect and from the disconnect to the tub.
Pull the permit
Hot tub wiring requires an electrical permit in Vancouver, WA. Newman Electric pulls the permit through L&I or the City of Vancouver.
Run the circuit and install the disconnect
We run the wire through conduit, install the GFCI disconnect at the right distance from the tub, and connect everything at the panel.
Bond, test, and get inspected
We install the bonding wire on all nearby metal, test the GFCI, and schedule the inspection. Once it passes, you can fill the tub.
Code & Permits
Hot Tub Electrical Code in
Vancouver, WA
Hot tubs fall under NEC Article 680 (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations). Washington state follows the 2023 NEC under WAC 296-46B. Newman Electric follows all hot tub electrical code requirements.
- GFCI Protection (NEC 680.44)
All hot tub circuits must have Class A GFCI protection. This is built into the disconnect panel that Newman Electric installs. The GFCI trips at 5 milliamps, much more sensitive than a standard breaker, because water amplifies the shock hazard.
- Disconnect Location (NEC 680.12)
A disconnecting means must be installed within line of sight of the hot tub and at least 5 feet from the inside wall of the tub. Newman Electric positions the disconnect where it meets code and is accessible to you.
- Bonding (NEC 680.26)
All metal parts within 5 feet of the hot tub must be bonded together with a minimum 8 AWG solid copper conductor. This includes metal fences, railings, conduit, and equipment. Bonding prevents shock by keeping all metal at the same electrical potential.
- Wiring Methods (NEC 680.42)
Wiring to outdoor hot tubs must use methods suitable for the location. Newman Electric uses liquid-tight flexible conduit or rigid PVC conduit rated for wet locations. All connections are made with waterproof fittings.
Customer Reviews
What Customers Say About Newman Electric
"We were in a pinch selling our house and needed a designated circuit put in ASAP. I called Newman Electric and they came out the same day! The job was completed professionally, promptly and all involved were very kind! I would recommend Newman Electric for all of your needs. Awesome group!!"
"Very professional, responsive and right on schedule. Very clean job and quite reasonably priced, especially considering this was not a very big job. Ran 50 amp service from house panel to sub panel in shop."
"Great service with amazing pricing. Installed a 240v outlet 40 amp ckt next to panel my panel and added a 50ka surge protector. Permit included in job cost. Same day installation. Continue the great work!"
Common Questions
Hot Tub Wiring FAQs
It depends on the distance from your panel to the hot tub location. A short run of 20 feet is at the low end. Longer runs that go across the yard or through difficult terrain cost more because of the extra conduit and wire. The disconnect, GFCI, bonding, and permit are all included. Newman Electric gives free estimates. We come look at your setup and give you a price.
Yes. A new 240-volt circuit for a hot tub requires an electrical permit. The permit gets pulled through Washington L&I or the City of Vancouver, depending on your address. Newman Electric handles the permit and the inspection.
It depends on your panel's capacity. A hot tub draws 40 to 50 amps, which is a significant load. If your panel is a 200-amp service with spare breaker spaces, you're probably fine. If you have a 100-amp panel or your panel is already full, you might need an upgrade first. Newman Electric checks your panel load as part of the estimate.
The NEC says the disconnect must be within line of sight of the hot tub and at least 5 feet from the inside wall of the tub. There's no maximum distance in the code, but practically speaking, we install it close enough that you can see it from the tub and reach it quickly.
Only for small plug-in hot tubs rated at 120 volts and 15 amps. Most full-size hot tubs require 240 volts and a hardwired connection with a dedicated GFCI disconnect. If you bought a full-size tub, it needs a licensed electrician to wire it. Newman Electric can look at your tub's spec sheet and tell you exactly what it needs.
Most hot tub wiring jobs take one day. Newman Electric runs the conduit, pulls the wire, installs the disconnect, connects everything at the panel, and installs the bonding. The inspection is scheduled separately, and that's when you get the green light to fill and use the tub.
Related Services
Other Outdoor and Heavy-Load Electrical
Dedicated Circuits
Circuits for heavy-draw appliances
Electrical Panel Upgrade
More capacity for your hot tub
Outdoor Lighting
Light up your patio and deck
Surge Protection
Protect your hot tub electronics
EV Charger Installation
Another outdoor 240V circuit
Heat Pump Wiring
Outdoor unit electrical
Electrical Repair
Fix existing outdoor wiring
Whole House Rewiring
Upgrade all your wiring
Service Area
Hot Tub Wiring Across
Vancouver & Clark County
Newman Electric wires hot tubs in homes across Vancouver, WA and Clark County. Whether your tub is on a back deck in Salmon Creek, a covered patio in Camas, or a screened-in porch in Battle Ground, we run the circuit, install the disconnect, and handle the permit and inspection.
We also serve Cowlitz County for hot tub wiring. Longview, Kelso, Woodland, and Kalama.
Got a Hot Tub
That Needs Wiring?
Newman Electric handles hot tub wiring across Vancouver, WA. Dedicated 240V circuit, GFCI disconnect, bonding, and permit. The estimate is free.