1. What is the definition of a field-assembled spa?
2. Is a field-assembled spa really a self-contained manufactured spa delivered to the site in pieces that requires assembly?
3. Is a field-assembled spa, component pieces motor, blower, heater, etc. (located next to the house)with a spa vessel (in the yard) build by the pool contractor....just like a pool...but its a spa?

I need to know if #3 is the definition of field-assembled and requires GFCI portection per 680.44.

I think both #2 and #3 can be considered field-assembled spas.

Thus, gfci protection would be required. Only when the spa, which is built like a pool, is commonly bonded with the pool as identified in Part (C) of the section, would gfci protection be exempt.

On the other hand, adding a heat pump to a pool doens't nake it a spa nor mandates the gfci protection.

I think this needs to be a judgment call based on the specifics of the installation on a case by case basis. I would tend towards the conservative.

I think this is a case where we need a definition in the code as to what field-assembled is.

Here in Sumter County in the Villages we have pool contractors building spa's, and swim spas in the back yard..it's built just like a pool but it is a spa, with component heaters, motors, blowers and a remote vessel. I think that they require GFCI protection for the equipment sometimes needing as many as 4 GFCI breakers, but I am getting alot of friction. That is why the definition of field-assembled is so important.

Any other opinions?

A good place to start might be the UL marking guide, which does mention "field constructed spas". Maybe that will give us a clue.

http://www.ul.com/regulators/spaguide.pdf


Also - is this thing below grade after it is assembled?

I am looking at the 2002 (I don't have my 5 handy) but the changed the wording such that all spas need GFCI unless they are part of the pool, commonly grounded or they are 3 phase or more than 250v or they have heaters bigger than 50a.



The "field assembled" thing is moot

I would hate to think that something constructed in the field which resembles a spa would not have GFCI protection, especially if there is a failure with the heater or blower component.

Yes Nick this spa is installed in-ground and is constructed exactly like an in-ground swimming pool.....but it's a spa!!!

I wonder if this falls under what would be defined as field-assembled, and require GFCI protection. Remember that because there are component pieces more than one GFCI is required to protect all the equipment wired to the outside remote panelboard.

GREAT....GREAT....job Nick!!! That UL guide is exactly what I needed. The definition of a field-constructed spa is just what they are doing out there and provides me with what I need to apply 680.44 GFCI protection.

Now keep in mind that the UL doc I posted is 2004, there may be an updated version. At any rate, I don't think they would change too much of the wording about what they call a "field constructed spa."

I don't think the NEC would actually need to have this definition as it is like saying - what is the definition of a site-built home? It is a home that is built "on site." I think it is pretty self explanatory. The UL information just backs up what we already know to be true.

Would you believe that I have recieved much grief over the definition and what field-assembled means with contractors (pool & electrical) as well as inspectors.

Prior to 2002 there was a difference between field built and packaged spas. Now there is really none as far as GFCIs are concerned.

The requirement for GFCI protection for spas was first put into the 1993 code edition with an enforcement date of Jan 1 1994. It was again revised in 1996 but only included self-contained and packaged equipment assembly units. It was 1999 when the section had a major rewrite and CMP-20 also included field-assembled spa's to require GFCI protection since some had the opinion that it wasn't needed because it wasn't included in the old code year writing.