Thread: Pool lights and GFCI protection

Hi, need to learn about below water line pool lights and GFCI protection.
Questions:
(1) I know that 120v lights should have it but not sure about more modern lights that are low voltage
(2) If low voltage lights require it; when did that go into effect by the NEC
Thanks

The power supply to the transformer can be GFCI protected but once the power is stepped down (pool side) you do not have the protection of the GFCI. I do not know of a GFCI protection for low voltage, as far as I know GFCI is only for 120v.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

The power supply to the transformer can be GFCI protected but once the power is stepped down (pool side) you do not have the protection of the GFCI. I do not know of a GFCI protection for low voltage, as far as I know GFCI is only for 120v.

Scott, thanks. Next question; by the 2008 NEC; will a modern pool with low voltage light still require GFCI protection to the transformer?

Originally Posted by mark petty

Scott, thanks. Next question; by the 2008 NEC; will a modern pool with low voltage light still require GFCI protection to the transformer?

What does the 2008 NEC say?

Most of the places in my area are on the 2012 NEC.

I don't inspect pools, most of the pools in the homes I inspect cost as much or more than my $200k home! I tell my clients to contact a pool specialist, just too many things to keep up with and the liability with pools is so great I just do not want to mess with them. I know that in many areas the home inspector is expected to inspect the pool, I'm glad that is not the case in my area.

From the 2008 NEC: (underlining is mine)
- 680.23 Underwater Luminaires.
- - This section covers all luminaires installed below the normal water level of the pool.
- - (A) General.
- - - (3) GFCI Protection, Relamping. A ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in the branch circuit supplying luminaires operating at more than 15 volts such that there is no shock hazard during relamping. The installation of the ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be such that there is no shock hazard with any likely fault-condition combination that involves a person in a conductive path from any ungrounded part of the branch circuit or the luminaire to ground.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

From the 2008 NEC: (underlining is mine)
- 680.23 Underwater Luminaires.
- - This section covers all luminaires installed below the normal water level of the pool.
- - (A) General.
- - - (3) GFCI Protection, Relamping. A ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in the branch circuit supplying luminaires operating at more than 15 volts such that there is no shock hazard during relamping. The installation of the ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be such that there is no shock hazard with any likely fault-condition combination that involves a person in a conductive path from any ungrounded part of the branch circuit or the luminaire to ground.

Jerry, thanks
Does this mean - or - do most / all modern pools have lights 15 volts or less

Originally Posted by mark petty

Jerry, thanks
Does this mean - or - do most / all modern pools have lights 15 volts or less

Mark,

Most are 12 volts.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Mark,

Most are 12 volts.

Jerry, thanks again

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

as far as I know GFCI is only for 120v.

240 volt for pump motors is also available.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

... as far as I know GFCI is only for 120v.

Originally Posted by David Bertrams

240 volt for pump motors is also available.

Scott was answering the question about GFCI protection for pool lights, I haven't seen any 240 volt pool lights.