Best spot for spa GFCI, the panel or disconnect?

[liteman00]

I really need to nail down the right spot for the GFCI protection. The feed is 50A, running out of the main panel, and I've also got a spa disconnect box mounted near the tub but now I dont know whether the GFCI breaker has to live back at the main panel, or if it's acceptable or even preferable to have that protection sitting in the spa disconnect right next to the equipment.
I've looked through a couple of code references, but I keep running into wording that could be read both ways. Whether to put the GFCI at the service panel or if the disconnect is the place for it, and I just don't want to overcomplicate things or end up with redundant breakers

 

[genfiasco03]

Same thing happened when I helped set up my brother's hot tub last summer. We had a 50A line from the main panel and a spa box near the tub. We put the GFCI breaker in the spa box since it was made for that and followed the rules. It looked neater and was easier to reset. Just make sure the spa box can handle a GFCI and the wires match the breaker size.

 

[PGB1]

Hi Liteman00,

If you don't mind the extra expense, a GFCI circuit breaker will provide good protection in case someone accidentally cuts a wire between the load center and the unit. (Example: Shovel hit)

I don't work residentiakl- only industrial & distribution, so for fun, I checked with an inspector whom I was with today. She said either location is allowed by NFPA 70, but the local (Detroit) code requires the GFCI at the load center if the spa is outdoors. Perhaps check with your local code authority just in case.

Hope This Helps,
Paul