There is nothing more annoying than having to get into your hot tub and be interrupted by a tripped GFCI breaker. When you have switched on your spa only to realize that the power goes off in the split second, do not panic. You are not the only one and that is one of the most widespread hot tub electrical problems, but also one of the most misconstrued.
We know the scoop on why that hot tub GFCI breaker is tripping and what you can do to respond and we do so safely.
What is a GFCI Breaker and what does it have to do with a Hot Tub?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is a specific kind of circuit breaker which switches off electrical power whenever it detects any difference between the hot wire and the neutral wire which naturally happens when the circuit is exposed to water or any fault to ground.
Since hot tubs are wet and, indeed, combine electricity and water, they will be wired using a GFCI hot tub breaker to protect against electric shock hazard.
Normally you will locate the hot tub disconnect with GFCI closer to the spa. It is fitted with this outdoor rated panel that allows you to disconnect power when you are carrying out the servicing but at the same time it provides circuit protection with GFCI.
For a complete overview of common hot tub electrical hazards, see our Safety and Repair Guide to Hot Tub Electrical Problems
Indications Your GFCI Breaker Is Tripping
What are the Signs your Hot Tub GFCI Breaker is Tripping :
- After you turned on the hot tub, the breaker immediately tripped.
- You could be using the heater or the jets and the GFCI trips.
- The breaker trips after a few minutes of running.
- The breaker keeps blowing so you can not reset it.
The signs could be indicative of a ground fault or even a short circuit occurring in the electrical components of the hot tub.
Similar Reading: A constantly tripping GFCI can lead to total power loss. See our electrical diagnosis guide.
12 Reasons GFCI Breaker Tripping in Your Hot Tub
So, here are the most common causes of this problem.
1. Bad Spa Heater Element
In a few cases, the heater trip is due to leakage through a screwed or corroded heating element to the ground and this will typically appear when the heater is energized.
Fix: Replacing a heater element with a multimeter and checking the element using a continuity test. Replace the element should the resistance not fall within a normal range.
2. Broken Hot Tub Pump or Motor
Burned out spa pumps or worn motor seals will cause water to enter the motor windings thereby causing the breaker to trip.
Fix: Check whether or not there is any wetness, or the motor is overheating. Replace the broken hot tub pump, if need be.
3. Humidity in Hot Tub Parts
In the event of rain, the water may easily enter the electrical control box, the wiring harnesses as well as the terminal points.
Repair: Perform an inspection of the hot tub looking out for water damage particularly at terminals. Wipe the affected areas as dry as possible and seal any access panels.
4. Loosened or Corroded Terminals
Increased resistance may be caused by corroded hot tub terminals, or loose wire connections. This may cause stumbling at certain intervals.
Fix: You should tighten the screws at the ends. Erase any corrosion with the aid of a wire brush or a bit of contact cleaner.
5. GFCI Is Miswired
Some of the most common errors in new installations are neutral-to-line rather than line-to-neutral wiring errors. The GFCI trips and has no load to trip it.
Repair: Have a licensed electrician inspect the GFCI wiring. Ensure the code can be met.
6. Defective Control Board/Electronics
The trips may be quite random because of a short in the control pack, sensors or relays.
Fix: Testing all the pieces, thus, could be one of the solutions to identify bad spa parts on the control board. There is one remedy: sometimes you need to replace the spa control pack.
7. Faulty Ground in Spa Motor or Part
Ground faults are situations where the electricity has left its intended route and that is what the GFCI is capable of detecting.
Fix: Go through one part at a time and test it with a multimeter: heater, pump, ozonator, blower.
8. Spas Lights or Accessories Triggering a Trip
Poor wiring or water getting inside the hot tub lights or audio often blow the breaker.
Repair: One can attempt to disconnect each optional component at a time to determine the source of the problem.
9. Bad or Dying GFCI Breaker
Breakers may become worn over time. An improperly functioning GFCI can at times trip without any obvious cause.
Fix: Consider replacing a GFCI breaker. In a majority of cases, it is less expensive than the attempted solution.
10. Heater Manifold Leaking
The leaks around the heater manifold can drip on surrounding electronics. This may short circuits and trip the breaker..
Repair: Inspect the heater manifold and gaskets surrounding it. In case you find any leaks, then replace them.
11. Unsafe Spa Wiring or Code Non-Compliance
Not all set ups are always according to electrical code. This may even result in circuits tripping and even pose a fire hazard at times.
Fix: Have your spa wiring inspected to ensure that it is code and has a good insulation resistance.
12. Problems That are Specific to the Manufacturer (e.g. Sundance Spas)
Certain brand histories of GFCI breaker tripping are Sundance hot tubs, because of the board layout or component types.
Cure: You may wish to visit the brand forums, or consult your dealer with model-specific problems.
Similar Reading: A faulty control panel can cause miswiring that trips the GFCI. Here’s a control panel troubleshooting guide.
Step by Step Troubleshooting a Tripping GFCI Breaker
This is how you can identify the problem in a safe, systemic manner:
Step 1: Visual Inspection of Hot Tub
- Check any apparent water damage, corrosion or loose wires
- Look at the control board to see the burn marks
Step 2: Unplug Components One by One
- Disconnect heater, pump, ozonator, blower and lights
- After every unplug, reset GFCI and test to find out whether it has tripped or not
Step 3: Test Components Using the Multimeter
- You can use continuity and resistance tests. This will assist in testing the heater element, motor windings and wiring insulation.
Step 4: Repairing Defective Parts
- Replace any component with erroneous readings or physical damage
Step 5: Call a Pro, in Case of Need
- In case you are uncertain, you may hire a licensed electrician or perhaps a spa technician. They are able to inspect and securely.
Preventing Future GFCI Trips in Hot Tubs
- Establish a habit of regular check-ups.
- Seal the electric cabinets
- The spa should not be used during the time when it is raining heavily.
- Wear a nice spa cover
- You may want to use surge protection on the control panel of your hot tub.
Identifying an issue with a spa component before it is too late may save you money on a repair.
Should You Replace the GFCI Breaker?
GFCI breakers do not last forever. It may be going bad and tripping even without a load.
- Mean GFCI breaker price: 35 120 brand and amperage dependent
- Installation: 100 to 250 Lifetime cost: 500 to 1000
Replacing a defective GFCI could prevent irritating trips and improve safety.
Significant Hot Tub Electrical Safety Advice
- Do not skip a GFCI breaker. Not only is it unlawful, it is also quite hazardous.
- Ensure that you turn off the disconnect of the hot tub that contains GFCI before performing any work.
- You should consult a professional in case you have hot tub problems.
- Verify that the spa wiring is code compliant.
FAQs
What is a GFCI Breaker and why is it Important for Hot Tubs?
GFCI breakers will protect from electrical shock as it cuts the power as soon as it senses any ground fault. This is what makes hot tubs a necessity, as they mix electricity with water.
What are Common Signs that a Hot Tub GFCI Breaker is Tripping?
Breaker trips right after the hot tub is turned on during heater or jet use, or it blows and does not reset.
What are the main Reasons a Hot Tub GFCI keeps Tripping?
Such an eventuality is caused by a faulty heater element, bad pump, moisture in components, miswiring, or just a defective control board.
How Can you Troubleshoot a Tripping GFCI Breaker?
Look for cracks, and holes on the surface of the board, take out one item at a time to experiment by multimeter examine and replace damaged parts if needed.
How Can you Prevent Future GFCI trips in your Hot Tub?
Check on at regular intervals, Seal electrical panels, Don’t operate the spa in heavy rain, Use a cover, Add surge protection.
Conclusion
There is a reason why a GFCI keeps tripping. Perhaps, to illustrate, it could be a heater that has shorted, a bad pump or moisture inside the control box. At this stage, perhaps it is just better to pretend it does not exist and that it poses no risk of electrical safety, equipment damage, or the worst, the injury.
Simply by troubleshooting through the above steps and having a general idea of what the typical problems are, you can get your hot tub back in business and this time safely and with peace of mind.
