Got Wires? (burned?) Don't make a $200.00 mistake!   (c) SpaSupport.Com, Sep. 20, 2000. The first time you see burned wires like this you may think that something's fried inside the system. Well, more often than not, this type of wiring failure is usually caused by one of two things: A. Connections are not being made tight enough, or B. corrosion from environmental elements has occured in the connection itself. Both of these situations cause a high temperature condition to occur because of the electrical resistance that develops over time due to oxidized copper connections. The most common occurences of this will be found in spa control or electric heater main power connections, main power connections inside the remote cut-off switch, main power connections inside the main breaker box in the home, and even the main power connections to the heater element itself. This particular installation was only a month old, and the $100 GFCI was fried because the L2 connection wasn't tightened down sufficiently. Once this situation occurs, simply making the connections tighter may not solve the problem, because once the copper wire has oxidized, its internal resistance will still be there, which, by nature, generates heat. As time goes on, the heat continues to oxidize the copper wire, increasing its resistance further (in other words, it snowballs on itself). So, the best solution is to cut out the burned or discolored wires altogether and connect some new wire in its place. If a connection block was being used, it should be bypassed as shown here: More electrical burnout examples Buying a home with a spa already installed... Whew! After talking about this with customers so many times this year, I've updated the Spa-Buyers Guide to be a little more inclusive. Click here for some hot info! With so many homes out there that have older spas in them, more and more home buyers are being introduced to "life in the hot-tub lane by default! Equipment UPGRADES! Does your old spa need a lot of equipment repairs? Check here for some insight into equipment upgrades that are available. You can also direct your upgrade questions here: upgrade@SpaSupport.com Danger! Read First! This website provides free information for experienced troubleshooters with appropriate training in electrical and plumbing safety! You must read our disclaimer here. Spa System Diagrams Simple diagrams, and extended info... Basic Electrical Hook-Ups There's a reason to hire a good electrician!     Plumbing Leaks, with FAQ Many different situations covered here... Pump Motor Repair FAQ's! New sections show t-shooting options Looking to buy a spa or hot tub? ( Used or New? ) Buying a Spa?  Some Q & A... Be sure to  check out the latest in spa information on our other sites: SpaNetwork.Com... tech discussions SpaTechs.Com... service finder (Get your favorite local service to list free here!)  and our newest site: SpaPartsNet.Com for all of your parts Needs! Spa Buyers Guide, New Spa Buyers Guide, Used What does SPA Service COST? Spa Domes! Thermal Efficiency issues Spa Cover Lifters Plug and Play Spa?     240Volt Version? Spa System Upgrades Visual Spa Repair Section -  New Additions Made Every Month! If the link you need doesn't work, then please email us directly at spahelp@SpaSupport.com Pumps Pump Service Index, Rebuilding, Seal Replacement, etc. Circulation Pumps, Description Troubleshooting Pump Motors Pump Diagram, Basic Blowers, (Bubblers) Blower Operation & Plumbing External Blower Motor Replacement Internal Motor Replacement Equipment Upgrades New Spa Pack Installation Example Spa Skirting and Support Build Your Own Spa Skirt I Still can't find it! Extra Help Thermostats Capillary Style,Calibration Spa Side Controls Gas Heaters Cleaning- Avoiding Meltdown System Diagrams & Basic Tech Info, Millivolt Systems Leaking Thermowells Electric Heaters Circulation Pump-Based Systems, Description Standard Jet Pump based heaters, description & troubleshooting Stainless Steel Heaters, Element Replacement Quick Spa Parts, Packs, Pumps, etc... All Spa Packs Heater Elements Pressure Switches Underskirt Spa Pumps Spa Parts Index Spa Controls, Standard/Air Upgrading Your Portable Spa Control System Standard Thermostat Re-Calibration Jets, Plumbing, Etc Air Lock Problems Replacing a Jet Assembly Waterway Poly Jet Options Small Leaks Leaking Thermowells Leaking Valve Repair Broken Light Lens/Replacement Troubleshooting & Help Index Basic Electrical Help Basic Installation Guide Ground Fault Circuit Breakers Main Power Problems Burned Wiring Spa Diagrams  The Basics What's in a Side Control? Metro Atlanta Spa/Hot Tub Service Team Parlous! Check these awesome videos: Team Parlous: Darren Litehiser