Help with electrical load (AC + Spa on same circuit??)

**Chris95120** · 02-05-2008, 04:58 PM

Hi there, thanks for your help!

I've got a Carrier Tech2000 AC sitting on the side of my home.
It has a panel with a breaker attached to the wall right next to it.
I *think* it has a 50amp fuse, but I'm not sure.

I have a few questions:
First: Does that AC run on 110 or 220?

I'm putting in a new spa close by and I'm tempted to tap off the 50amp
AC circuit. It would be very convenient for me to do. I'm wondering though
if I will have problems if I try to run both the spa and AC at the same time.
The spa I'm getting is brand new and supposed to be very efficient/etc, so
maybe it doesn't suck up that much power. But I'm sure if I've got the
spa heater, pumps, jets, etc on it must be drawing a bit of current.

I'm sure the AC doesn't require 50amps when running, but it probably has
a decent surge when it turns on.

Any guess if I'd have problems with the circuit blowing all the time? Anyone
have experience with running both on the same circuit?

Thanks for your help!!
Chris

**The Earl** · 02-05-2008, 05:06 PM

Call a licensed electrician.

Then read the rules about DIY.

Thanks
The Earl

**hetrola** · 02-05-2008, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by Chris95120

Any guess if I'd have problems

**second opinion** · 02-05-2008, 05:56 PM

Major NO NO

Call an electrician .

**beenthere** · 02-05-2008, 06:00 PM

Yes, you would have problems.

They both MUST have their own dedicated circuits.

Hope your not doing the electric for the spa yourself. Their are very specfic codes for spa's to keep you from being electricuted when your in it.

Since you asked this question, I know you know nothing about how to wire up the spa so you don't kill yourself or anybody else.

**davefr** · 02-05-2008, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Chris95120

I'm sure the AC doesn't require 50amps when running, but it probably has
a decent surge when it turns on.

Any guess if I'd have problems with the circuit blowing all the time? Anyone
have experience with running both on the same circuit?

Thanks for your help!!
Chris

Not only does the AC have a starting surge (fan and compressor), but so does the SPA. Most SPAs have a seperate pump and blower. You could potentially have a starting surge from 4 induction motors starting simultaneously and this could be anywhere from 3X -10X run current. Add to that the electric heater in the SPA.

Bottom line is you need a seperate circuit just for the SPA and I believe the breaker for the SPA needs GFA protection per the current codes.

**tinner73** · 02-05-2008, 06:33 PM

since it's only water and electricity i say you roll the dice.

**coordinatesales** · 02-05-2008, 06:34 PM

Definite no-no.

Advantages: Easier install

Disadvantages:
doesn't meet code, which makes it very hard to sell house
shortened equipment life for both A/C and spa
the a/c will meet it's quick end most likely when you need it most and the local contractors are booked for 2 weeks out.
constantly blown fuses (and those fuses are $$)
danger of electrocution when not done right
danger of fire with overloaded circuit.

It's just not worth it.

**tinknocker service tech** · 02-05-2008, 06:59 PM

the plus side is if you do this then you most likely electrocute your self before burning down the house.

most spas have 220 and 110 circuity and require a neutral with a ground fault and dedicated ground

for everyones safety get an electrician.

If i were to get a spa even i wouldn't try wiring it. I would have an electrician do it

make the call

**comfortking88** · 02-05-2008, 07:17 PM

There is a reason for a those silly electrical codes

**bmathews** · 02-05-2008, 07:26 PM

Homeowners never cease to amaze me. You can do as you wish, but you will pay for it later. Call an electrician, it may not cost or be as much of a hassle as you think. If you do it your way and save $$$. Pay heavily later for a new A/C, spa repair and an electrician to do it right the 2nd time.

**JumpSteady** · 02-05-2008, 07:37 PM

The AC is 220. The breaker in the panel for the ac, the wire from the panel to the disconnect, and the disconnect itself and its fuse are sized to run the ac unit only and nothing more. For safety reason and code the spa must have its own dedicated circuit properly sized and installed.

**Chris95120** · 02-06-2008, 04:10 PM

Thanks for the info/feedback!
I was asking NOT because I want to do the work MYSELF!! I was just trying
to get a better understanding so that I'll know what the electrician is talking
about. I can't get one out for a few days, so I was curious about the
possibilities.

Thanks for the info!
Chris