Mike Holt Enterprises Electrical News Source

Swimming Pools and the Dangers of Electrocution

If you know of anyone who has a pool, you might want to consider reading this newsletter so that you better understand the issues with swimming pool safety.

All swimming pools and spas require GFCI protection and proper grounding systems. And yet there are still accidents occurring. These accidents happen inevitably because systems are not up to the current codes and standards, and GFCIs are not tested periodically as required by the manufacturers. All pools should be checked regularly by qualified contractors.

If you do an inspection, be sure to send a written report to the customer; if you find any equipment not GFCI protected or any metal parts not bonded, then it is an unsafe condition. Let the customer understand what needs to be done before anybody uses the pool again.

Before you consider checking a swimming pool for proper bonding and grounding, please ensure that you understand electrical fundamentals, grounding versus bonding, NEC requirements related to swimming pool bonding, Neutral-to-Earth (NEV) voltage related to utility wiring, and how to troubleshoot to ensure swimming pools are properly bonded.

Visit www.MikeHolt.com/Swimming Pool Bonding

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"Folks are waking up to the real dangers of electricity and water. As 30 year old pools continue to deteriorate, more accidents will happen. Be smart. Get the pools inspected. Test the GFCIs monthly.

Don't have GFCIs? Call a professional, and don't swim until you are sure your pool meets all the codes and standards."

David Rifkin, Electric Shock Drowning Protection Association.

Circulate this information to your friends, family and customers - summer is almost here and thousands of people will be getting out of the heat by jumping into a swimming pool!

Mike Holt Newsletters on ESD and Electrocutions


Comments
  • I am confused by this statement:

    "In addition, the wiring, including the equipment grounding for all 120V pool lights, needs to be disconnected at the panel or the light needs to be low voltage without an equipment grounding conductor"

    Is this a recommendation? I do not see any reference to this in the NEC

    Brian  May 22 2020, 6:21 pm EDT
  • Reply from: Mike Holt   May 22 2020, 6:37 pm EDT
    Wow, that text is wrong and we'll fix immediately. Thank you.


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