Are there any risks of electrocution from pool lighting systems?

Question

If they are not installed correctly, can you be electrocuted?

Answer 1

Yes. The NEC (National Electrical Code) specifies requirements for type of lighting fixtures, location of lights and switches that control them, proper grounding of electrical components, and ground fault protection (to prevent shock hazards if a problem occurs). If you are not sure about the status of your electrical wiring system, you would be best advised to contact an experienced electrician or an electrical contractor to help you resolve any issues. This could save a life.

Answer 2

Yes and no. Lighting installed in pools is considered to be one of the most hazardous applications of lighting and is governed by at at least 3-4 sets of national electrical standards, fixture testing standards, and health code standards that are extremely conservative due to the risk involved.

The chance of getting electrocuted is almost nil unless the lighting is installed by irreputable contractors or by a do-it-yourselfer who is unaware of the issues.

Essentially the fixtures must be rated for 'Pool' applications (more strict than 'Underwater') by a listing lab like UL or CSA, the specifications must conform to local city or county health codes like limiting current to low voltage -although not every county requires this, and the installation has to conform to the National Electrical Code -or NEC, and the local building code which varies by state.

If the pool is in a public place or the pool and lighting look to be in good repair than I wouldn't be concerned about electrocution. If the fixtures do not than you can report the owner to the local health department and they'll perform an inspection. The lighting is actually there to make the pool safer and if the engineers, listing labs, health authorities, and countless specifiers didn't think it was safe than they would take the lighting out of the water.

Have fun swimming!

Answer 3

You bet. Little Peter is right saying that recently 12 volt lights don't have to be grounded at the panel, but it was a 12 volt pool light that killed 2 police horses in Orlando a few decades ago. Just a fraction of a second of exposure can cause ventricular fibrillation at amperage as low as 60 to 100 mA. Don't think of "electrocution", deep burns, etc. Fatalities from pool lights are usually heart related. Install correctly, follow all codes, GFCI, etc., and you'll stay safe.

Answer 4

12 Volt Pool Light

Answer 5

the pool light HAS to be hoked to a G. F. C. I . receptacle and also bonded to the light niche . better yet the light should be hooked to a G. F. C. I. BREAKER . this is when you have a 120 volt light. there are also 24 volt pool light that have a transformer for them. so this reduces the chance of electrocution

Answer 6

Anytime you are dealing with electricity and water there is a risk. You can reduce the risk by making sure that it IS installed correctly. The manufacture has specific guide lines to make the risk as little as possible.

Answer 7

no. There is not enough electricity to hurt anyone especially if the "juice" is spread out into the water in a pool. The pool lights are self grounding throuh the metal at the mounting and by the water itself. It is not necessary to even have a ground at the breaker panel. I have been teaching this in pool certification classes across the country. This is according to the electrical codes of the world.

Answer 8

Any electrical can cause problems if not installed properly. Any electrical that goes to a pool (including the pump) should be on a GFI circuit.

Answer 9

Engineer for Proton LED says:

LED light, I thought was safe because of the low mA and voltage. Better take the advice given and make sure it is done properly.

Paul Catignani Lyons ga