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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the installation of ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for consumers against electrical shock hazards in pool underwater lighting circuits and in electric circuits of spas and hot tubs. The National Electric Code and local codes require GFCI protection for all line voltage electrical equipment connected to, or near, pools, spas, and hot tubs. CPSC is aware of three recent electrical shock incidents involving the electric heater circuits of spas or hot tubs. At least one maintenance worker was electrocuted while repairing a pool light fixture. A GFCI constantly monitors current flowing in a circuit to sense any loss of current. If the current flowing through two circuit conductors differs by a very small amount, the GFCI instantly interrupts the current flow to prevent a lethal amount of electricity from reaching the consumer. The consumer may feel a painful shock but will not be electrocuted. The National Electrical Code provides for GFCI protection for all line voltage electrical equipment connected to, or near, pools, spas, and hot tubs, |
and for lighting fixtures and receptacle outlets in the vicinity. In the past, however, the code did not require GFCI protection for all electrical equipment, particularly 240 volt equipment. Older pools, spas and hot tubs may not have adequate GFCI protection. In particular, pools older than 10-15 years may not have GFCI protection on underwater lighting circuits. Underwater swimming pool lighting fixtures and spa/hot tub heaters are a potential source of electrocution. Both 120 volt and 240 volt circuits should be protected by GFCIs. Although grounding may provide some protection for pool, spa, and hot tub equipment, GFCIs are the most effective means for protecting consumers against electric shock hazards. CPSC urges consumers to have an electrician install adequate GFCI protection for all spa and hot tub electrical equipment and for underwater swimming pool lighting fixtures. |
ELECTROCUTION HAZARD
Test GFCIs monthly. GFCIs can fail in the "always on condition". This means power will be supplied to the circuit as if the GFCI was never installed. Call a licensed electrician if a device fails to turn power off when the "Test" button is pressed.
- Install a GFCI on all underwater lighting circuits.
- Install a GFCI to protect all electrical equipment used with spas and hot tubs, including spa and hot tub heaters with 240 volt circuits.
- Install a GFCI at any additional location when required by Code, any damp or wet location, and in any place the possibility of shock hazard is higher than usual.
- GFCIs should be installed by a licensed electrician, in accordance with the National Electrical Code and applicable local codes.