Hydromassage tub bonding

Some jurisdictions require the 8 AWG copper bonding conductor used to bond the pump and other metallic piping of a hydromassage bathtub to be run back to the service or panelboard where the pump branch circuit originates or the 8 AWG bonding conductor from the hydromassage bathtub equipment be connected to the closest grounding electrode. Is this required by the National Electrical Code?

The bonding conductor does not need to be “run back” to anywhere. A new last sentence in the 2008 NEC clarifies the bonding requirements for hydromassage bathtub. Bonding applies to all metal piping systems and all grounded metal parts in contact with the circulating water of the hydromassage tub. Section 680.74 states, “The 8 AWG or larger solid copper bonding jumper shall be required for equipotential bonding in the area of the hydromassage bathtub and shall not be required to be extended or attached to any remote panelboard, service equipment, or any electrode.”
A design shows two emergency generators installed in parallel and connected to a single 1,200-ampere, 277/480-volt outdoor switchboard at a hospital. The switchboard is a three-section with an overcurrent protective device in the first section supplying a critical branch transfer switch; an overcurrent protective device in the second section supplying the hospital life safety branch transfer switch; and three overcurrent protective devices in the third section supplying a hospital equipment system transfer switch, a transfer switch for legally required standby loads and a transfer switch for optional standby loads. There is a load pickup and shedding system for the switchboard. Is this a Code-compliant design based on the switchboard separation requirements?

Section 517.26 for essential electrical systems for healthcare facilities requires compliance with Article 700 for emergency systems, unless amended by the requirements in Article 517. The requirements for the separation of emergency (Article 700), legally required standby (Article 701), and optional standby overcurrent protective outdoor spa devices and conductors (Article 702) have been clarified in the 2008 NEC by adding new 700.9(B)(5) permitting wiring from an emergency source of power to supply any combination of emergency, legally required, and optional loads as long as the requirements in 700.9(B)(5) are followed.

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The important text of this requirement is that wiring from an emergency source or emergency source distribution overcurrent protection to emergency loads shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and equipment, unless otherwise permitted in 700.9(B)(1) through (5). New (5) covers wiring from an emergency source to supply any combination of emergency, legally required, or optional loads in accordance with (a), (b) and (c) to be as follows:

“(a) From separate vertical switchboard sections, with or without a common bus, or from individual disconnects mounted in separate enclosures;

“(b) The common bus or separate sections of the switchboard or the individual enclosures shall be permitted to be supplied by single or multiple feeders without overcurrent protection at the source

“Exception to (5)(b): Overcurrent protection shall be permitted at the source or for the equipment, provided the overcurrent protection is selectively coordinated with the down-stream overcurrent protection.

“(c) Legally required and optional standby circuits must not originate from the same vertical switchboard section, panelboard enclosure, or individual disconnect enclosure as emergency circuits.”

Hydromassage bathtub

Hydromassage bathtub is a type of “hands off” massage therapy that offers people a massage by exposing them, in a bath, or small pool, to jets of very hot water to massage the body. This type of treatment is typically offered in spas, and some of the larger spas may have several pools that have jets aligned to massage several different parts of the body with warm water and pressure. You may use several different pools during hydromassage, or may use just one where the jets can be adjusted to spray the areas of your body that would be most benefited.

Hydromassage is definitely not the same as using a Jacuzzi with water jets, or even bathtubs that boast massage features. In the first place, the water used, and the water you are immersed in is usually much warmer than Jacuzzi or massage-bathtub temperatures. It is advisable to decide, based on the water temperature whether hydromassage is for you.

Pregnant women should definitely not experience this type of massage, and people with high blood pressure, or who are prone to fainting or dizziness are not good candidates for the treatment. The elderly may have skin reactions to the pressure exerted on the body from water jets. People with certain skin conditions like rosacea may find their conditions worsen slightly after exposure to high temperature water and hydromassage in general.

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The principle behind hydromassage is that the pressure exerted by the water jets helps loosen tight muscles and promote an overall feeling of relaxation. Sometimes, since the pores are opened during exposure to hot water, hydromassage is combined with other therapies afterwards, like mineral rubs, or facials. Hydromassage may be combined with mineral soaks, or both during the massaging process.

You should ask a few questions before undergoing hydromassage. For instance, you may find yourself in a pool or a room with other people of both genders, so asking whether you need a swimsuit is important. The answer to this question will vary. Sometimes hydromassage is swimsuit optional, and at other times, the spa may request that you definitely wear a swimsuit. Additionally, when using any spa, you should ask whether hydromassage is available. It may be freely available for people receiving other treatments at a spa, or may be available for a relatively minimal fee without other treatments.

Pressure exerted on the muscles can definitely loosen tense muscles, but this loosening may be only transient. Some people are huge fans of hydromassage and others find themselves nonplussed by the experience, preferring a hands on massage instead. Most people find they are thirsty after the experience, not surprising given the exposure to hot water. If a spa doesn’t provide water, be sure to bring your own and drink plenty both before and after hydromassage treatments.