"BONDING" whirpool tub components

[chester]

I recently installed a Ameerican Standard Whirlpool tub, that has a

2.1HP pump that came wired with a three prong plug. I also installed a EZ inline hearer that also came with a three prong plug. I put each of these on separate circuits (20A/15A pump/heater), isolated, ending with a GFCI-protected outlet. I was reading through the installation instructions for the heater, and it talked about "BONDING" the heater to the house ground supply.

I have done a bit of research, and now understand that that means a 8AWG bare or green ground wire needs to go to the heater and pump (although the pump installation instructions didn't say anything about this) and then to my panel.

OK I am gonna do this, but I was wondering how big a deal is this, in the meantime? Should I not use the hot tub due to danger? Both devices are grounded, and plugged into functional GFCI outlets. I (sort of) understand that the bonding ensures equal something-or-other ( no voltage differences) between each of the metal componets near the tub. thx

[gfretwell]

You really just bond all the electrical componants and any other incidental metal bigger than the palm of your hand together with the #8. You should also bond the slab (steel) the spa sits on. It doesn't have to go back to the panel ground. The equipment grounds run with the power does trhat.

[RBM]

[chester]

So it really doens't have to go back to the panel? I have read conflicting accounts on this. The instalation intructions for the heater, for example, suggests it does. thx

[gfretwell]

From the NEC;

680.26 Bonding. (A) Performance. The bonding required by this section shall be installed to eliminate voltage gradients in the pool area as prescribed. FPN:This section does not require that the 8 AWG or larger solid copper bonding conductor be extended or attached to any remote panelboard, service equipment, or any electrode.