Inflatable Hot Tub outdoor socket advice

[David_DIY_idiot]

We've purchased a hot tub and are getting a socket installed outdoors to power it from.

I'm not DIYing the socket, but I'd like to be armed with the best solution when I get an electrician in because I know it can be a tricky job with lots of pitfalls and risky shortcuts. I'm a bit paranoid about sitting in a tub full of water that's plugged into the wall as it is

Hot Tub Power details (Lay-Z-Spa Cancun):

• Voltage - 220-240V~50Hz, 2,050W at 20°C, Class II
• "all Lay‑Z‑Spas are designed to plug into a standard UK 13amp/240V electrical supply. We advise that you always use an RCD protected socket (like those installed in your home) and not an extension lead."
  
• There's a PRCD box with 'reset' and 'test' on the cable

Questions:
- Is there any kind of specific waterproof socket type/cable/in-line protection we should be asking for?
- Should I be requesting it goes on it's own circuit separate from all other devices?

Our circuit box has a switch specifically marked 'Outdoor Socket', and this goes to a loose cable already outdoors which we had temporarily capped while we were landscaping. I assume this means it's on it's own circuit and that'd be of use to the installer who can run it underground up to the right spot on the outside wall of the house? As it's an unknown cable doing unknown stuff, would it be best to ignore this and ask for a new cable entirely?

Sorry if these are dumb questions, but - safety first and all that.

Big thanks in advance for any help

 

[Taylortwocities]

You need to have your electrician tell you. There are several issues to consider.
for instance, this issue:

We advise that you always use an RCD protected socket

There are ways to achieve this. You may need to have an RCD socket installed, but this may not be needed if the “outdoor socket” circuit is already protected by a house RCD or has its own RCBO.

as Yoda might say,

 

[ericmark]

You are correct, there is a lot to consider, the big one in my mind is ground being same voltage as any bonding, but this is sorted as class II. But what is the point in employing an electrician and then not trusting what he says?

The only problem is when other electrical equipment is used outside, and as long as class II that again is OK, only when class I stuff is used do we see a problem.

 

[davelx]

Note also that the Lay-Z-Spa power cables are equipped with a 10mA RCD plug (but should still be plugged into an RCD protected circuit). The control unit has circuitry that can detect an inadequate earth connection will indicate an earthing error (code GCF) and refuse to run in that situation, There is also a bonding terminal on the unit for connection to a local rod/grid (my sister and my nephew both have this model).