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As the warmer weather approaches, swimming pools across the country will be reopening for the season. It is important that you don't overlook routine maintenance and inspections, especially where electrical systems are present. If you, or anyone you know has a pool, you might want to consider reading (and sharing) this newsletter so that you can better understand the issues and electrical hazards associated with swimming pool safety.
Electricity and a wet body are a recipe for disaster! That's why all swimming pools and spas are required to have GFCI protection and proper equipotential bonding. Yet there are still electrical injuries and fatalities occurring every year.
These accidents happen for a variety of reasons:
- Installations are not up to the current codes and standards.
- GFCIs are not tested periodically as required by the manufacturers.
- Corroded and neglected and improper bonding terminations.
- Electrical Equipment Failure.
- Transient, or neutral-to-earth voltage.
Most of these conditions can be detected by routine inspection(s) and addressed by a qualified person such as a licensed electrical contractor.
If you are the qualified individual tasked with performing a pool inspection, be sure that you understand electrical fundamentals, bonding and grounding, NEC requirements related to swimming pool bonding, Neutral-to-Earth (NEV) voltage related to utility wiring, and how to determine that swimming pools are properly bonded.
Always document your inspection findings in a written report delivered to the customer. If you find any unsafe conditions such as equipment not GFCI protected or unbonded metal parts, encourage your customer to shut down the pool, explain the hazard(s), and advise the customer what needs to be done before anyone uses the pool again.
For detailed information on How to Verify the Electrical System of a Pool is Safe in Accordance with the NEC, visit www.mikeholt.com/pools.
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 the pool!
Additional Resources:
Mike Holt Newsletters on ESD and Electrocutions |
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