Bonding consists of running an 8 AWG solid copper "halo" around a pool (18-24" away from pool and buried 4-6" deep) and connecting it with copper lugs and split bolts to metal legs or metal plates of the pool in 4 different places even spaced around the pool.
What happens if a pool is not bonded?
If you do not bond your pool equipment there is the risk that the equipment itself will become the anode in a galvanic couple with other metal components in or around your pool. If this happens, the anode metals will deteriorate at an advanced rate, a phenomenon called galvanic corrosion.
How do I bond an above ground pool?
5:498:20Above Ground Pool Bonding - Tips, Information How to - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAround then you come back down and you run over to your pump which also has a bonding lug all pumpsMoreAround then you come back down and you run over to your pump which also has a bonding lug all pumps come with them the electrical pump the circulation system and you attach the wire there.
How do I bond an existing inground pool?
2:244:54Equipotential Bonding For Swimming Pools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe bond the water they wave bonding that goes into the pipe that bonds the water we bond the rebarMoreWe bond the water they wave bonding that goes into the pipe that bonds the water we bond the rebar around the pool we bond the rebar that's inside the pool. And we bond anything metal.
Do I need to bond my inground pool?
Most of us are aware that the pool must be bonded, but since 2008 the National Electrical Code (NEC) has mandated that pool water shall be electrically bonded, not just metals in the structure of the pool itself.
Is it necessary to bond an above ground pool?
NEC bonding requirements apply to in ground and above ground pools, and includes all metal components, equipment and the water itself. Correct pool bonding protects people, pets and pool equipment by reducing current flow between items of different potential. All pool water should be bonded.
Does pool bonding wire have to be buried?
The bonding grid does not need to go back to the system ground. Just all metal parts on/in the pool, equipment serving the pool, and the pool water is all that is required to be connected to the grid.
How can you tell if your pool is bonded?
Look for an exposed copper wire attached to the motor and pumps, going into the ground. It should connect in a similar way as in the image to the left. If you live in a municipality, you can also contact the building and inspection department to see if your pool had a code inspection during its construction.
How do you check if a pool is grounded?
2:418:36Pool Grounding Check - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the ladders and if the light comes on it's properly grounded if the light doesn't come on wellMoreAnd the ladders and if the light comes on it's properly grounded if the light doesn't come on well there's no ground.
What does bonding a pool mean?
Bonding is the process by which the electrical and metallic components of the pool are joined together with a wire to form a non-resistive path between the components. The goal of bonding is to connect, contain and prevent the transmission of any harmful electrical voltage to pool equipment, people and pets.
How deep does a pool bonding wire need to be?
6 in.The bonding conductor must be secured in or under the deck or unpaved surface within 4 in. to 6 in. below the subgrade and must be located between 18 in. and 24 in. from the inside walls of the pool.
Should you bond your pool?
Having a properly bonded pool is essential for making sure you and your pool guests are safe. Bonding is also known as equipotential bonding because the goal of this process is to equalize the potential differences in voltage between different parts of your pool equipment.
Where does pool bonding wire terminate?
the #8 solid conductor that is run around the pool is terminated at the grounding lug on the pump motor.
Is bonding and grounding the same thing?
Bonding. Bonding is the connection of non-current-carrying conductive elements like enclosures and structures. Grounding is the attachment of bonded systems to the earth. Both are necessary to safeguard people and property from electric hazards.
What does it mean to bond a pool?
Bonding is the process by which the electrical and metallic components of the pool are joined together with a wire to form a non-resistive path between the components. The goal of bonding is to connect, contain and prevent the transmission of any harmful electrical voltage to pool equipment, people and pets.
Do I need to bond my Intex pool?
Intex pools are sold as portable pools and that's the reason bonding isn't required. There's also a requirement that you unplug all electrical equipment before anyone entering the pool.
How much wire is needed to bond a pool?
The bonding conductor should be at least 8 AWG or larger solid copper. All metallic parts of the pool's structure, including reinforcing metal, must be bonded together using solid copper conductors (insulated, covered or bare), and at least 8 AWG, or with rigid metal conduit of brass or other corrosion-resistant metal.
WHAT IS POOL BONDING?
.the practice of intentionally electrically connecting all exposed metallic items not designed to carry electricity in a room or building as protection from electric shock.” ( Wikipedia) Another way of putting it is that the primary purpose of bonding is to keep people and electricity separated. Stray currents (or electrical gradients) can occur in a swimming pool. Every metal component, the pool water and your body are all conductive and will carry electricity in the right situation.
What happens when a pool is bonded?
In an improperly bonded pool stray currents are out of control and will seek the easiest path for conductivity. A bonded pool balances the electrical pressure and keeps all currents flowing outward into a bonding wire or grid where they are safely dispersed.
WHAT DOES THE NEC SAY SPECIFICALLY ABOUT WATER BONDING?
Since 2008 the National Electrical Code (NEC) has mandated that pool water shall be electrically bonded , not just metals in the structure of the pool itself. All requirements for equipotential bonding, including bonding of the pool water, can be found in NEC Section 680.26 (C). As required in NEC Section 680.26 (C) the Bonding Device shall:
What is a pool defender?
This combo unit has a steel plate that bonds the pool water as well as a sacrificial zinc anode that helps to reduce galvanic corrosion in the pool. This is a perfect product for pools using a salt chlorine generator. There is also a clear lid that can be easily removed to access the anode or bonding plate. With this bonding method it is important to ensure that the pool water always remains in contact with the anode to meet all NEC requirements. Learn more about the inline anode and water bond.
What is CMP water bonding?
Currently CMP offers four different water bonding solutions, two primarily for in ground pools and two that are perfect for above ground pools. These products are the Pool Defender Water Bond Skimmer, Inline Anode & Water Bond, Pump Water Bond and Econ Union Water Bond.
What is a water bond skimmer?
The water bond skimmer has a built in stainless steel plate that is mounted safely behind the pool basket. An embedded copper wire exits the back of the skimmer and is perfectly located for connection to the pool bonding wire or grid. This skimmer upgrade couldn’t be simpler.
How many square inches of conductive material for pool light?
The three keys are: minimum of nine square inches on conductive material, constant contact with the water and a secure connection. Traditionally the most common “bonding device” has been the pool light itself. Common pool lighting is housed in a metal “wet niche.”. As a metal component the light must be bonded, ...
Where does the wire connect to the pool deck?
Although the wire is painted (which is okay), the wire connects from the sliding door frame to underneath the concrete where the metal rebar is for the pool deck and pool cage. This wire bonds two metal window frames together. Like the image above, one window more than likely connects to the rebar in the concete.
What happens when you swim in a concrete pool?
For example, if someone is swimming in a pool and the pool cage (the rebar inside the concrete pool) becomes concentrated with electric flow, the electricity may easily flow through the water shocking the human.
What is Bonding and Why Do We Do It?
Bonding (connecting) of metal is typically done by a 8 gauge copper wire. The connections of metal by the copper wire allow for electric flow to pass through metal.
Who bonds pool heaters?
Therefore, pool contractors and electricians will bond your pool pumps, heaters, pool cage, lights, screen enclosure, and ALL metal surrounding your pool (i.e. door/window frames).
What happens if a pool pump shorts?
In another example, if the pool pump shorts, it can pass electricity through the internal water (pool water). And now, anyone is in the pool can become electrocuted.
How does bonding work in pool equipment?
So how does bonding help? Simply put, bonding connects all of your pool equipment together so they all have the same electrical potential. When all of your equipment is carrying the same charge, the electricity won't try to jump from one piece to another as the resistance is the same on both sides. This equalization allows you to safely use your pool equipment without risking electric shocks.
Why do we bond pools?
Bonding is also known as equipotential bonding because the goal of this process is to equalize the potential differences in voltage between different parts ...
What Is Bonding and Grounding?
Like the other parts of your home, swimming pools require electricity to function. Pumps, lights, automatic pool covers, some cleaning equipment plus more will require power. But, as you can imagine, electrical safety is very important whenever water is involved.
What is pool equalization?
This equalization allows you to safely use your pool equipment without risking electric shocks. An electrician bonds pool equipment by connecting it all together with conductive wire also known as a bonding wire when it comes to pools. Here is a partial list of what should be included in your pool's bonding grid:
What should be included in a pool bonding grid?
Here is a partial list of what should be included in your pool's bonding grid: Any metal parts of the pool shell. Shells and brackets of all pool lighting. Any metal fittings attached to your pool structure. All electric pump motors and fittings. Any metal piping or sheathing within 5 feet of the pool.
Why is bonding necessary?
Bonding is necessary because, even when grounded, electrical equipment can still accumulate charge over time. For instance, a pool motor that is connected to a power line can slowly build up a higher charge than other pieces of metal in the same area.
How does a pool ground work?
Pool equipment can also be grounded through GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. These outlets detect when your electrical equipment may be drawing too much power (such as during a short or fault) and interrupt the circuit. The outlet cuts power to the shorting device and provides a safe ground path for the electricity.
What is bonding a pool?
Bonding refers to protecting people in and around a swimming pool from shock by connecting all of the pool’s metal components together with a copper wire to make all of the metal components of equal potential (voltage).
Why do you need to ground and bond a pool?
Grounding prevents shock through faults in an electrical system, while bonding prevents shock through differential currents running through the pool’s metallic components. Both are needed to provide safety for anyone entering your pool. To properly ground and bond your pool, don’t trust anyone who isn’t a licensed electrician.
What is grounding and bonding in a pool?
If you are thinking about putting a new in-ground or above ground swimming pool in your backyard, grounding and bonding are two essentials that are a must before you dive in. Even if you already own a swimming pool, it’s good to know what grounding and bonding is because your pool may be incorrectly grounded or bonded, or maybe not even at all. A swimming pool with no grounding or bonding, or a swimming pool that is improperly grounded or bonded can result in electrocution, shock, and even death.
How to stop a fault in a pool?
When a fault occurs, it needs to be stopped by attaching a piece of equipment to the earth’s ground so that high electric current can flow towards the ground and not through the people in the pool. When the pool’s equipment is properly grounded to the earth with a GFCI receptacle or breaker, it will protect the people in the pool from potential electrical shock. This is because the GFCI receptacle or breaker will turn off the equipment once the GFCI detects the fault. Please refer to our blog for more information on GFCI receptacles.
What happens if you don't ground your pool?
A swimming pool with no grounding or bonding, or a swimming pool that is improperly grounded or bonded can result in electrocution, shock, and even death. As licensed electricians, the team at KB Electric LLC has seen multiple botched electrical pool wiring jobs from unlicensed electricians and amateurs.
Why do you need a GFCI breaker for a pool?
This is because the GFCI receptacle or breaker will turn off the equipment once the GFCI detects the fault .
What are the requirements for a pool?
The following parts of pools, spas, and hot tubs must be bonded together using conductors at least 8 AWG, or using rigid metal conduit, including: 1 conductive pool shells, including poured concrete, sprayed concrete, and concrete block with painted or plastered coatings; 2 structural reinforcing steel; 3 copper conductor grid; 4 perimeter surfaces that extend 3 feet horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool, spa, or hot tub. A perimeter surface that extends less than 3 feet and is separated from the pool by a barrier shall require equipotential bonding on the pool side of the barrier. Bonding to perimeter surfaces shall be provided and be attached to the pool, spa, and hot tub reinforcing steel or copper conductor grid at a minimum of four points around the pool, spa, or hot tub. There are some exceptions; 5 metallic components; 6 underwater lighting; 7 metal fittings; 8 electrical equipment; and 9 all fixed metal parts.
What is bonding in electrical engineering?
Bonding is joining metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will result in electrical continuity between components to ensure that the electrical potential will be the same throughout.
What type of metal should pool motors be grounded in?
Grounding and bonding connections should be made of copper, copper alloy, or stainless steel. They also should be listed for direct burial. Luminaries and related equipment should also be grounded.
What happens if you have an electrical problem with your pool?
If there is an electrical problem with the pool equipment, a fault could occur and charge the entire pool or spa, making it fatally hazardous. Grounding. The electrical equipment for swimming pools must be grounded and connected by wiring methods in accordance with the NFPA 70 National Electric Code® (NEC®).
Where is the electrical equipment located in a pool?
all electrical equipment located within 5 feet of the inside wall of the pool water; all through-wall lighting assemblies and underwater luminaires; panelboards that supply electricity to equipment associated with the pool; GFCIs : transformer and power supply enclosures; junction boxes; and. pool motors.
Can you stand in water when inspecting a pool?
Don’t stand in water when working with or inspecting electrical equipment . Be sure to identify all circuits that are related to the pool equipment. When inspecting the pool or spa, check for unfinished or poor workmanship, particularly with the electrical components, wiring and installation.
Do you need to bond electrical equipment for a pool?
In addition to grounding, bonding is required to get all metal parts of the electrical equipment and the non-electrical metal parts of the pool/spa structure to attain equal electrical potential . Because the combination of water and electricity can be fatal, it is important to remember and adhere to all safety concerns and practices. Home inspectors should advise homeowners to consult or hire an electrician instead of doing any electrical work themselves.
How deep is a pool?
Most above ground pools that are 42 " deep or shallower are considered storable. If the water is deeper than 42", or the pool is installed in a way which prohibits storage, then each individual metal part, ie every panel, must be connected to a #8 copper bonding wire and that wire must run to where the pump is.
How to hold an upright in place?
The upright should be held in place with screws at the bottom. Removing those would be much easier that going at it from the top.
Is it safe to have a pool pump in a pool?
You might be okay IF: You have no metal railings or fixed ladders or slides on the pool AND your pump is double-insulated AND there is nothing within 5 ft of the pool walls that is made of metal and is larger than a 4 inch square AND you have no electrical components like an SWCG or heater. You are probably safe, but you are not code compliant.
Can a pool pump be bonded?
To be code, the shell of the pool must be connected to a bonding wire that runs to the pump area, even if the pump is double-insulated and can't be bonded. This is a little extreme, but it is intended to avoid a user replacing the pump with a non-double-insulated type and having no bond wire available. It also makes the wire available ...
