Although it rarely happens, if you find that your hot tub is tripping your circuit breaker, there are some simple ways to address it. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and apply easy fixes when your hot tub is tripping the breaker.
1. Check If There’s Any Moisture, Then Dry It Out
Did you know that your circuit breaker’s control box automatically turns off when it detects even the slightest bit of moisture? Of course, water and electricity don’t mix well, so this protective function avoids any damage to the hot tub and keeps the user of the hot tub safe from harm.
It’s possible that even some moisture is enough to be the culprit of your circuit breaker tripping. To confirm if this is the case, you will need to start by turning off the main electrical supply. Then take a look inside the breaker box. If there’s any sign of moisture, get a towel or cloth to wipe it off. Next, run a fan or dehumidifier near the outlet to dry it out completely. Once that’s done, try to reset the breaker.
Moisture doesn’t need to be an issue if you take simple preventive measures. By making sure that the rubber seal is intact and all the cables are sealed, you can keep water from getting into the panel in the first place. If tripping still occurs, even if everything’s dried out, it might be necessary to replace the receptacle itself.
2. Find Out If Your GFCI Breaker Needs a Replacement
Another troubleshooting step you can take is to determine whether or not the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker is still in the best shape. Over time, it can simply wear out, even if durability and longevity are part of the GFCI breaker’s design.
You can run a quick test to find out if a replacement is necessary. First, turn on the breaker. If it instantly trips once more, try disconnecting whatever’s plugged into the breaker. After that, flip the GFCI breaker back on. If it still trips, you can be sure that the breaker itself is the one causing the problem. However, if tripping doesn’t occur, then a different issue might be the reason.
3. Secure Any Loose Wiring or Connectors
When your hot tub trips the breaker, one of the things to consider is if there might be circuit interruptions caused by loose wiring. Because of old age or being moved around for any reason, electrical connections can eventually come loose. Power fluctuations are then unavoidable, which can result in your hot tub tripping the breaker.
If this is really the issue, we recommend hiring a licensed electrician to thoroughly inspect your hot tub’s wiring system. When it comes to plastic plug-in connectors, you can just push them back into place to make sure they’re attached properly.
4. Inspect the Heater and Replace It If Needed
The heating component can also be the reason that your hot tub is tripping the circuit breaker. If it’s no longer in good condition and there are signs of corrosion or damage, you might need to replace it.
Rust, white powder or any visible discoloration are some of the most common damage indicators. If you don’t spot any of these upon inspection, you can further test if the heater is indeed the problem. Just disconnect it from the control box and turn on the breaker. If the breaker stays switched on, it means the heater doesn’t function properly anymore, and you need a new one.
5. Protect Your Hot Tub from Short Circuits
Tripping is a safety feature for most breakers, so it’s bound to happen in the event of a short circuit. This means that preventing short circuits can also help you avoid tripping problems. Some easy precautions would be ensuring no moisture in the breaker box and all the connections are tightly plugged in place.
With a little bit of troubleshooting, you should be able to get your hot tub up and running in no time. Of course, if these tips don’t work for you or if the problem persists, it might be time to call in a professional.
You can also get in touch with a hot tub dealer near you if you have more questions about your spa. For more info on picking the hot tub that’s right for you and your home, download our free buyer’s guide.