Ask 'Dr. Spa' Q & A Message Board

John:

Although I have seen alot of strange and downright dangerous wiring jobs, I have never seen anyone try to accomplish the load demand this way (doubling up on undersized conductors). Have you?

: From a technical standpoint, doubling up a #12 wire and creating
: parallel circuits will double the ampacity of that circuit. The
: problem is that in order to be code compliant, you must install the
: tub according to the manufacturers instructions. To the best of my
: knowledge, the only manufacturer currently using parallel circuits in
: their tubs is Watkins, the manufacturer of such brands as Hot
: Springs, Tiger River, Caldera, etc. The NEC is quite specific that
: you must wire according to the manufacturers instructions. If they
: call for minimum 6 AWG and/or a certain wire type, then you had best
: follow the directions.

: John