Electrical safety should always be a top priority when operating a swimming pool. Water and moisture can act as a conductor with the electrically operated equipment and power supplies that come with operating a pool. This of course can create shock hazards. For that reason, all electrical equipment must to be installed, maintained and repaired by licensed professionals. The right professional will know all the basics of electricity as it relates to your swimming pool.
Electric Shock Drowning
Vital organs can be damaged when a person is subjected to electrical shock. There’s the possibility of temporarily losing muscular function and the victim may be unable to stop touching the source of whatever is electrocuting them. The feeling can range from a minor tingle to severe pain. Death can occur at high enough voltages as the person can lose their ability to breathe, becoming unconscious, or their heart may stop. Any level of electrical shock needs to be treated as an emergency and precautions to avoid it must be taken.
Sources of Electric Shock in Swimming Pool
Most pools have underwater lighting that can create the potential for shock. Other sources include circulation motors, junction boxes for electrical connections, exterior pool lights, timers, heaters and pool covers that are electrically operated. Electrical codes need to be met with the installation of all this equipment.
Electrical Grounding
A ‘ground’ is a connection between an electrical device and the earth. Grounding provides a low-resistance path from pool equipment to the ground for fault currents. Any electrical equipment located within five feet of a pool or spa along with any equipment that deals with water circulation must be grounded.
Swimming Pool Electrical Bonding
Bonding is when you tie or fasten electrical devices to the same ground potential. This will connect the devices with low-resistance paths to ground using a solid copper wire. Various pool and spa equipment must be properly bonded including the pool structure, metal fittings, metal equipment linked with circulation systems, underwater lighting, etc.
Keep Electrical Equipment a Safe Distance from Pool
It’s important to keep electrical receptacles, light fixtures, and similar equipment away from the pool and spa and any other potentially wet areas. Electrical codes require that this equipment needs to be no closer than 10 feet from the pool or spa wall.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
When a person gets shocked, there is a rapid discharge of electricity that results in largely different input and output currents. GFCIs will open the circuit if the difference between inputs hits a certain threshold to limit the shock.
Swimming Pool Signage
Warnings, instructions and procedures for electrical safety all need to be in place at every swimming facility. Instructions as far as the use of electrically operated equipment need to be in writing and clearly posted. Any area that poses a potential risk needs to be marked clearly with visible signs that warn of those dangers.
Electrical Inspections, Repair Services & More in Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
When it comes to electricity make sure you consult with and utilize a licensed electrician. Contact Burley Electrical Services for the very best pool electrical inspections and other related services. We look forward to serving you! For more information, you can also visit www.burleyelectric.com.
