Swimming Pool Lights: Electricity and Water

In our last article, we covered the potential dangers regarding swimming pool lights.  This article will cover more about this serious safety concern.

Call an electrician to rewire your swimming pool lights | (480) 926-1033

Swimming Pool Lights: Replace Them If It's Been Awhile

A lot of people don't think of electrical danger where  swimming pool lights are  concerned.   They do pose a serious risk however, as these tips from the Consumer Products Safety Commission show:

CPSC's Safety Tips For Preventing Electrocutions In and Around the Pool

-Know where all the electrical switches and circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to turn them off in an emergency.

-Refrain from swimming before, during, or after thunderstorms.

-Have an electrician who is qualified in pool and spa repairs inspect and upgrade your pool, spa or hot tub in accordance with applicable local codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC).

-Ensure that all electrical wires and junction boxes are at least five feet away from water, as required by the NEC.

-Protect swimmers from injury by following the NEC requirements for installing GFCIs:

-on underwater lighting circuits operating at 120-volts (CPSC recommends GFCIs for circuits that are 15 volts or greater);

-on pumps and electrical equipment used with pools, spas and hot tubs, including heaters close to the pool and operated on 240 volt circuits;

-on electrical circuits around pools, spas, and hot tubs;

-on all outdoor receptacles and receptacles within 20 feet of the water's edge to protect people from injury."

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.  [READ MORE]

In our last article, we explored how serious the threat of electrical injury or even death can be from a cracked swimming pool light.

Electricians Are Required Personnel

It may be tempting to do it all yourself.  However, where electricity and water are concerned, you could be putting either yourself or your family at risk.

So remember, electricity and water don't mix.  Make sure your swimming pool lights are in good shape, there are no cracks in the covers, and that any wires are not exposed.  And make sure you call an electrician in Gilbert to check them out.  

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
http://www.dodgeelectric.com

Is it Time to Replace the Lights in Your Swimming Pool?

Is it time to replace your swimming pool lights?  Before you answer right off the bat, there are few things that you should know.

Replace Swimming Pool Lighting: Avoid Electrical Injury

Replace Your Swimming Pool Lighting in Gilbert | (480) 926-1033

Swimming pool lighting should be checked and replaced if necessary.  Why?  Well according to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission website: "As the weather warms up, swimmers across the country are heading out to backyard, community and public pools, hot tubs and spas. When it comes to pool safety, drowning is the first concern that comes to mind; but today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Red Cross are warning of another hidden danger to swimmers: electrocution. There have been 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks reported over the past 13 years involving electrical hazards in and around swimming pools. The CPSC is most concerned about faulty underwater lighting; aging electrical wiring that hasn't been inspected in years; the use of sump pumps, power washers, and vacuums that are not grounded; and electrical appliances (such as radios and TVs) and extension cords falling or being pulled into the water. All of these hazards present an even greater risk if the lighting, circuits, and nearby receptacles are not protected by Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCIs) – the best safety device to prevent electrocution. The best protection for families is inspection, detection, and correction of electrical hazards in and around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas," says CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "CPSC strongly encourages residential and commercial pool owners and operators to upgrade protection of the lights, receptacles, and switches with GFCIs. Older pools are the biggest concern, as underwater lighting fixtures may have degraded with age and may not be protected by GFCIs." [READ MORE]

A lot of people watch their children around water, which is a good idea, however, the dangers that people don't realize is that all it takes is a cracked light to cause an electrical discharge in the water.  As water is an excellent conductor of electricity it's a good idea to replace your swimming pool lights, particularly if it has been a while.

Swimming Pool Light Replacement: Just One Job for an Electrician

An electrician can also help you with other things that are electrical around your pool such as your pumps and filtering system.  Going indoors, an electrical contractor can also help you with things like accent lighting, or putting in a ceiling fan.

We can't stress this enough.  If you need to replace the lights in your pool, do not try this yourself.  For your sake and the sake of your family, call an electrician in Gilbert instead.

Dodge Electric
781 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 926-1033
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