Wiring Issue

[Cherioak]

We are had the electrical redone for a new tub, our electrician was given the specs and the instructions.

We just learned he used 6 wire instead of 8 on our hot spot tempo, we were told it wouldn't meet code using the 8 wire on a 50 amp circuit. Am I going to have issues?

The tub is connected and it's filled I just started balancing the water. Any input would be appreciated!

[Roger]

The #6 wire will carry more current than the #8 wire. Your fine except for the extra cost. 6 gauge is bigger than 8 gauge.

[PreservedSwine]

The #6 is difficult to fit into the spring clamp terminal block of the Hot Spot control box. You may want to ask the electrician if he can put a #8 pigtail at the end. The # 6 can carry a larger load, but it has a problem with that control box... it doesn't make good contact in the terminal block- the small internal springs in the terminal block cannot be tightened, they're just spring loaded. The #6 is pretty rigid, not pliable, and the little spring clamps have a tough time accommodating it, and holding it securely. They have no issues with #8

[n1oty]

What TYPE of conductor did the electrician use?? If he used something like UF, it was probably temperature rated at 60C which would only give the #8 a 40 amp rating. If he followed Watkins requirement to use 75C or higher conductors ( such as THWN, THHN or THWN-2), that #8 would have a max ampacity of 50 amps at 75C or 55 amps at 90C, as referenced in the Tables included in Article 310.15 of the NEC. As usual, the engineers at Watkins are correct and your electrician and/or inspector are the idiots.

John