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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	June, 2009	Return to newsletter index

Summer electrical safety

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As summer approaches it is everyone's responsibility to watch out for electrical safety. Summer is a time when people enjoy pools. Pools can be fun, but there are certain safety requirements that we all need to follow.

Be sure to hire a qualified licensed electrician to not only wire your pool pump and heater, but also to provide a grounding grid. What is a grounding grid? The grounding grid eliminates any possible difference of electrical voltage potential between the pool water and the ground around the pool. Simply put the Earth a large magnet that induces a voltage into the ground. Though the voltage may be small, only 7 volts is enough to disorientate a person (who is wet) and cause drowning. Beside the natural voltage there is man made voltage in the ground. Electricity is always looking for a path to ground. The liner of a pool makes a great insulator from the ground; therefore there could be more voltage on the ground around the verses inside the pool water. This is why is it extremely important to have all metal parts of the pool bonded with any electrical appliance as well as the grounding grid and yes, even the water.

How do you ground water? It only takes a small amount of metal in contact with the pool water to provide a bond to the water. The metal ladder or any metal railing usually obtains this. The pool heater also allows enough water in contact with metal heat exchanger to provide a bond, but if all else fails there are products that are metal inserts that install into your filter and provide that bond.

So I'm bonded, where is the extension cord to plug in my pool? No, never use an extension cord to power your pool pump. The pump must be connected with a twist lock connector and the motor must be Ground Fault protected. The Ground Fault senses current to ground before you get a shock and trips the breaker or outlet. If your ground fault trip often it could be a sign of the ground fault becoming defective or your motor may be leaking voltage to ground. Call a qualified licensed electrician immediately.

Once this is complete, you are now able to enjoy your pool, right? Maybe, Call your local electrical inspector for an inspection. The National Electrical Code has many additional requirements for your safety. Your local inspector has the training and knowledge to inspect your pool so that you can use it safely for many years.

Ok, now enjoy your pool, but remember never bring electrical appliances within 5 feet of your pool. Be safe and have fun this summer.e of our inspectors will be out to check it out.