I've got a 200A panel and want to add a 50A circuit for a hot tub about 60 feet away.

Wire: Use 6 AWG copper THWN-2 (4 conductors: 2 hots, 1 neutral, 1 ground) in a 1-inch PVC conduit for 60 feet. Voltage drop is ~2.5% at full load—acceptable.

Breaker: Install a 50A double-pole GFCI breaker (required for hot tubs per NEC 680.22). If your panel doesn't accept GFCI breakers, use a standard 50A 2-pole breaker plus a subpanel at the tub with a 50A GFCI breaker (NEC 680.42).

At the tub:

• Subpanel (if using standard breaker at main panel): 60A-rated, 4-space minimum, with 50A GFCI breaker feeding the tub.
• Disconnect switch: A visible blade disconnect within sight of the tub (NEC 680.22), or the subpanel itself if within sight.
• Bonding: Run a 8 AWG bare copper bonding jumper from the tub to all metal parts (handrails, ladders) and to the subpanel enclosure (NEC 250.92).

Other requirements:

• GFCI protection is mandatory (NEC 680.42).
• Grounded neutral and isolated ground bar in subpanel (if used).
• Weatherproof fittings and UF-rated wire if direct-burial (but conduit is preferred).

Check: Panel busbar capacity and GFCI breaker compatibility. If unsure, consult a licensed electrician—hot tubs require strict code compliance.

Wire: 6 AWG copper THHN/THWN in conduit (or 6/3 NM-B if entirely indoors/dry). For 60 ft, voltage drop is ~3% at 50A — acceptable per NEC 210.19(A) FPN No. 4. If using aluminum, use 4 AWG.

Breaker: 50A, 2-pole GFCI breaker in the main panel (NEC 680.42(A)(1)). Do not rely on a GFCI receptacle at the tub — outdoor spa disconnects require GFCI protection at the source.

At the tub (NEC 680.42, 680.43, 680.44):

• Disconnect: Sight-from-tub, ≥5 ft horizontally from water (680.12), readily accessible. Use a 60A non-fused pull-out or 50A GFCI spa panel (listed for outdoor use).
• Wiring method: Liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) or PVC from disconnect to tub control box. No NM-B outdoors.
• Grounding: Insulated equipment grounding conductor (EGC) run with circuit conductors — no earth ground rod at tub (680.42(B)). Bond all metal parts (pump, heater, frame) per 680.26(B).
• Bonding grid: #8 solid copper bonding wire connecting tub steel, pump, heater, metal conduit, and any metal within 5 ft (680.26(C)).

Panel check: Verify 200A panel has space for 2-pole breaker and calculated load (NEC 220.87). Hot tub = 50A continuous? Apply 125% = 62.5A — but breaker is 50A non-continuous per nameplate. Confirm tub nameplate rating.

Permit & inspection required. If unsure on load calc or bonding, hire a licensed electrician.