Wattage per breaker?

Question

I have a hot tub which puts out 1000 watts power and the only other thing on the breaker is a light which is 60 watts. The hot tub doesn't work properly, so do I need to add a breaker or do I need to have the hot tub looked at?

Answer 1

I’ve looked at the answers here, and some are very good. I teach HVAC and electrical theory, and so with that stated, let me address a couple issues here.

You stated the hot tub puts out 1,000 watts. I assume that means it consumes that amount of electrical power and converts it to heat energy to heat the water. As stated in other responses, power (watts) = (volts) * (amps). Rearranging this formula, (amps) = (power) / (volts). By the way, this formula only works for resistive circuits such as heating elements, and it should not be used to try to figure amperage on devices that create magnetic fields such as motors, solenoids, transformers, etc. Non resistive loads are often rated in volt amperes (VA or KVA).

Most hot tubs that I have seen have jets of water shooting into the tub as well as a heating element to keep the water warm. Thus, I assume you have a pump (a motor) running on this tub along with the heater. Assuming both pump and heater gets power from the same line, you would add the amperage for the pump to the amperage for the heater to get the approximate total amperage (plus you must add the amperage of any and all other devices that are run on the same line).

Typically, the total amperage of a circuit should not exceed 80% of a breaker’s value. This 80% rule allows a load of 16 amps on a 20 amp breaker, or 12 amps on a 15 amp breaker. I’m thinking you are probably exceeding the 80% rule when you add up the amperages of the heating element along with the amperage for the pump motor, and other devices that might be running on the same circuit.

A "snap around" amp meter can be used test the current draw on the breaker in question. It is a quick test, and if done correctly, it yields an accurate measurement of actual current being used. When measuring current draw, make sure everything on that circuit is turned on. You can use the tester to find the individual amperages of the heater, pump motor, and other devices. Do not hold the amp meter too close to a motor or other magnetic field generating device as the stray magnetic fields can give a false reading to the meter. Compare these readings to the device's specifications to see if they are within tolerance. Also, as stated in an earlier response, make sure the correct voltage is being applied to the equipment. If a device is rated at 240 volts, that circuit would require a two pole breaker. If this is a “home owner friendly” device that works on 120 volts, do not use an extension cord as that might drop the voltage while the unit is running, plus it could overheat and creat a fire hazard.

If you are not familiar with this type of work, or not comfortable doing these tests, then I strongly suggest you hire a technician to help troubleshoot the problem.

Answer 2

Each time a Breaker is tripped, not turned off, the amperage draw that will trip it decreases. The recommendation that I have heard is that any breaker that has tripped 3 times should be replaced, after you have an electrician take a look and figure out why it was tripping, if it is not immediately apparent. The things that need to be looked at on that circuit are: the size of the wire that feeds the circuit, it should be 12 AWG or bigger (10, 8, etc.); the total amperage of the heater, and the pump motor, and the blower motor; the amperage of any other devices that you may not realize are connected to that circuit. Coincidentally, it is highly unusual to have a light and an appliance on the same circuit, most electricians will not install things that way, so you need to have a trained electrician come out and inspect the wiring to see if there are any mistakes in the wiring.

Answer 3

Total your wattage 1,060, then divide by the voltage, 120, this will give you the amperage of the breaker you need(8.83 amps) a 20 amp breaker will do the job.

Or, if you have a 20 amp breaker, multiply by the voltage (120) you can carry 2400 watts on the breaker.
The formula to use for the calculations is Watts = volts times amperage.

Sounds like you need to have it looked at.

Answer 4

The hottub consumes up to 1000 watts of power, but may actually use more on start up. Check that you have the correct amperage for the breaker. Check your manual, or recommended amps. Those things can be hogs.. check your wire gauge as well.

Answer 5

something seems funny here.
generally these run on 220 circuits, the lite on the circuit says it is a 110.
this means the hottub is only drawing 9 amps. my skill saw draws 13.
i as suspicious of your figures.
look at the plug.
if it fills your hand it is 220.
if it looks like your lamp, toaster or other appliance, it is 110.
if it is 110, and 9 amps, i don't see how you could get any heat
without keeping the cover on and running the heater for 2 weeks.
most htowater heaters draw from twin 20 or 30 am circuits which gives them a wattage rating of 4400 t0 6600 watts.
capiche? you see why i wonder?
the last hottub i installed went to a twin 50 amp circuit and the cord was as big around as a 50 cent piece.

Answer 6

I consider Yummy. It relies upon on the twine length you have. 12 gauge twine is heavier than 14 guage so it is going to enable extra shops or lights furniture. verify your community code e book or ask an electrician on your area they are going to be attentive to precisely. only an FYI a super mistake human beings make is whilst they holiday a breaker or blow a fuse they put in a heavier fuse that's risky through fact fuses and breakers are sized in accordance to the twine that replaced into put in whilst your place replaced into equipped. If the fuse is to special it wont blow, the twine gets warm quite and could commence a hearth. So if everyone blows a fuse or journeys a breaker there's a clarification for it. someplace that circuit is being overloaded meaning there are too many products on that line. permit the fuse do its interest.

Answer 7

if the hot tub doesn't work preoperly then its the hot tub if it was not getting enough power it would knock the breaker or dim the light when it came on.

Answer 8

The problem is with your tub. If you overload a breaker it would trip off

Answer 9

that sounds low you need to check out the start up draw and your wire size. also you might need to either rewire it as well as look a a slow blow circuit breaker which will allow a higher draw before it trips. have someone qualified check it out. be happy tubbin not cold or shockin

Answer 10

you say tun doesnt work properly? what does that mean! more info needed