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.
CPSC is aware of three recent electrical shock incidents involving the
electric heater circuits of spas or hot tubs. Recently, a 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
cord-and-plug connected spas and
| hot tubs, and for lighting fixtures and receptacle outlets
in the vicinity of pools, spas and hot tubs. However, the code does 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.
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Please note: The following information may not reflect current Electrical Codes
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