Which type of protection must be provided for all electrical components associated with hydromassage tubs?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is vital for all electrical components associated with hydromassage tubs due to the unique hazards posed by the combination of water and electricity. Hydromassage tubs operate in a wet environment, which increases the risk of electrical shock. GFCI devices are designed to detect ground faults, which occur when electricity finds an unintended path to the ground, often through water or a person. By tripping and cutting off the power quickly, GFCI protection helps to prevent serious or fatal electric shocks in these scenarios.

The requirement for GFCI protection aligns with safety codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), which stipulate that any electrical circuits supplying power to outlets or fixtures located in areas adjacent to water must include GFCI protection. This includes areas like bathrooms or pools, and in this case, hydromassage tubs.

While other protective measures like surge protection, overcurrent protection, and high-voltage protection serve important roles in electrical safety, they do not specifically address the risks associated with water exposure in the same direct manner that GFCI protection does. Surge protection primarily safeguards against voltage spikes, overcurrent protection prevents circuits from overheating, and high-voltage protection refers to systems designed