Spa Panel Arrived! Now what's the best way to wire it up?

[WhiteArmadilloBrewing]

Here's a pic of the spa panel that arrived from eBay today. I'm pretty sure I got one heck of a deal considering there's another 120v 20a breaker in there alongside the 50a one. All for $50 shipped!

Anyway, obviously I need a power source. I've got an electrician buddy who might be able to hook me up with a 240v receptacle in the garage next to my brew space. However, my question is what's the best way to wire it to my control box?

I'll be running 2 EZBoil PIDs from Auber, 2 pumps, a RIMS tube, and 2-3 elements in my BK and MT. Do I install a receptacle in the spa panel and then wire up a power cord from my control panel that will have its leads connected to power buses? I'll keep looking but wanted to throw it out there since I've got that extra 20a breaker to utilize.

Thanks!

 

[lschiavo]

It depends on how you plan to layout your control panel. If you could mount the spa panel right next to it, I would use a short piece of conduit or conduit nipple to connect them together. Then you can pull individual conductors from the spa panel to the control box and don't need more cords/plugs.

Keep in mind that 1-pole 20A breaker is not GFCI.

 

[WhiteArmadilloBrewing]

It depends on how you plan to layout your control panel. If you could mount the spa panel right next to it, I would use a short piece of conduit or conduit nipple to connect them together. Then you can pull individual conductors from the spa panel to the control box and don't need more cords/plugs.

That seems to be the best option to reduce more cords/plugs like you suggest. The only thing I was trying to figure out was a way to mount my control box (plastic tool box) and the spa panel close enough to do just that. If I can figure out a way to mount them on an independent stand or something then all I would need is to run a single power supply to the spa panel itself, correct?

Keep in mind that 1-pole 20A breaker is not GFCI.

Ah -that's what I was afraid of. I did mount a 20a GFCI receptacle into the side of my control panel in case I needed to plug something in. If I run power to that receptacle inside the control box then I am GFCI covered between the GFCI in the spa panel and that receptacle, right?

 

[lschiavo]

Yes. That should get power into your control box just fine. You may need some additional fuses or breakers in your control panel though. Especially if you run a full 50A feed. You should start with a good wiring diagram. If you don't have one there are plenty around here to start with. You can post your diagram with any questions or run it by your electrician. It really is not complicated but there are plenty of places to go wrong if you are not experienced with wiring. Be safe.

 

[WhiteArmadilloBrewing]

One last question: do I need to run a 4 wire feed since I have that 120v breaker in the spa panel? I read that I would need it if running a 120v in addition to a 240v

 

[lschiavo]

Yes. You will need a neutral if you plan to use 120V from the panel.