A fault in the heater could lead to the spa tripping the main GFCI - If the spa consistently trips the dedicated GFCI immediately or shortly after being powered on, there may be an issue with the heater element component 

                                                               


To simply determine if a fault within the Heater tube is causing the breaker to trip, the heater unit can be disconnected from the Circuit Board (Control pack system): Article: What is a control pack system? 

  • If disconnection of the heater, the spa remains ON without tripping the GFCI, then it is confirmed that the heater is at fault, indicating the need for replacement.
  • **IMPORTANT:** This process demands attention and caution as it involves powering the spa on and off during testing. Before opening the pack or handling any circuit board components:



Follow the steps below to disconnect the heater from the Circuit Board:


1. Shut off the power at the dedicated GFCI Breaker Panel Article: What is a GFCI Breaker? and confirm the Topside Control Panel is turned off. If the spa is a 120v plug-and-play, please disregard the GFCI reference and unplug the unit from the outlet.


2. locate and identify the control pack system, situated on the side and positioned below the topside unit Article: Determining the Topside. 


Note: The panels must be removed first before accessing the side of the spa Article: How to remove or replace a basic Cabinet Panel


Image illustration may differ

Note: The control pack is equipped with a cover lid secured by two top Phillips screws.



3. Once you have removed the lid, you will see the Heater Tube just below. The Heater element connects to the Control Pack via a 3-pin plug located on the bottom left side of the circuit board.


 4. Disconnect the Heater plug from the circuit board by pressing the release tab and pulling out the plug. 


        The heater element connection release tab
The heater connection on bottom left side of the circuit board 


5. Once you have disconnected the Heater, turn the power back on and monitor the spa as the system starts up. 


If the GFCI no longer trips when power is restored and you can operate all functions (except heating, of course), this would be a strong indication of a Heater Fault and the Heater should be replaced.


To watch a video showing how to complete this Heater Fault Test, click HERE.



Please note that you do not need to disconnect the heater unions or close the slice valves as suggested in the video. Having the heater unplugged from the circuit board would be enough - This step is only necessary if the heater is being replaced.


If you don't have a replacement heater on hand, let the system stay running to filter the water and keep it circulating until a new Heater is installed.