NEC NOVEMBER
It’s November, and pretty much no one has their pool as a top concern on their minds. Pool safety should always be a concern. One of the areas of safety we need to consider is electrical safety. Pools require electricity in order to operate properly. Any equipment operated electrically (i.e., pumps, automated systems, timer boxes, etc.) or those made of metal (I.e., filters, heaters, handrails, ladders, light fixtures, etc.) can create shock hazards. Thus, the pool and its equipment must adhere to particular electrical standards in order to keep bathers safe.
ELECTRICAL BONDING AND GROUNDING
Pool electrical grounding (or “bonding”) connects all the metal parts of the pool and its equipment to create a single, low-resistance path for electricity to safely dissipate into the ground, preventing electric shock. By doing so, stray electrical currents are directed toward the ground and away from people. The process starts with the pool structure (rebar and wiring together to the pump, the filter, and other metal parts (i.e., heater, handrails, lights, junction boxes, etc.), and then connecting the entire system to a ground rod via the electrical panel. This would include any metal components located within five (5) feet of the inside wall of the pool, such as decorative metal items, exterior lighting, and metal fencing. This system is set up when the pool is installed. If one of the metal components becomes stranded, an electrician is needed to secure it properly.
LIGHTING
Pool lighting is one of the items that many owners like to add as a decorative element to their pools. There are so many new options on the market to add some pizazz to your pool or spa. Although you need to make sure proper steps are taken to ensure the pool lighting is safe. With pool lights, improper wiring and bonding are one of the most common ways a stray electrical current can enter the water. As lights get older, gaskets and cords can fail, allowing water to seep in and create a shock hazard. While it may be considered an easy DIY job, it is not recommended to replace lighting yourself; have a professional do any replacements and repairs.
GFCI
The National Electrical Code requires that all swimming pool pumps be connected to a GFCI breaker. A GFCI is needed at a pool to prevent electric shock. The GFCIs monitor electrical circuits and instantly shut off power if they detect an imbalance. If the amount of current going out is not equal to the amount returning, it signals a “ground fault”—a leak in the electrical path. If a GFCI detects a fault, it will immediately shut off the power or trip. If your GFCI keeps tripping, the source needs to be determined. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, making the risk of shock much higher near pools and other water sources.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
We all know the adage, “It is better to be safe than sorry”. While pool professionals are considered a jack of all trades, they can only perform basic pool electrical work. If you have installed metal components within five (5) feet of your pool since its initial installation, do not have a dedicated GFCI, or experience frequent tripping, you should contact a qualified electrician to make sure your pool is meeting the proper requirements for electrical safety.
