DEFECT: Jetted Tub Pump Bonding
Jetted tub electrical pumps and all metal that is in contact with the water are required to be electrically bonded to help prevent shock in the event of a short circuit. This is a fairly common defect, most likely due to confusion between bonding, grounding, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) etc.
Note in the photo, the bonding lug at the bottom of the pump motor does not have a bonding wire attached.
Jetted tub pump not bonded
Since this electrical pump is in close proximity to water, the code requires strict bonding, grounding and GFCI protection. The ground for this pump is typically through the grounding pin of the electrical plug and grounds back through the electrical panel to ground. The bonding of this pump should be from the case (typically through an attached bonding lug) and connected to the metal plumbing supply lines or approved bonding location. The purpose of the bond is to create a common path for all stray electricity to follow to a safe location.
The GFCI outlet that this pump is connected to is another safety feature that will shut off if it senses an imbalanced load. That is for another post, another day!
The easiest way to correct this problem is typically to connect the pump bonding lug to the metal plumbing supply pipes using a #8 AWG or larger copper wire.
As always….you should have this repaired by a qualified contractor, follow all manufacturers instructions and ensure that all local codes are complied with.
This information was provided courtesy of Southwest Premier Home Inspection, LLC. Reproduction in any form is not permitted without consent. Copyright 2008-2010 Southwest Premier Home Inspection, LLC.
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