Pool Fence Earthing
Pool Fence Earthing: Ensuring Safety & Compliance
At Exakt Glass, we prioritize safety and compliance when it comes to pool fences.
We understand the importance of proper earthing to ensure the safety of swimmers and comply with relevant regulations.
In this article, we will delve into the topic of pool fence earthing, addressing common questions and providing valuable insights.
Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and maintain a safe swimming environment.
Give us a call and see how we can help.
Why Is Earthing Required For A Swimming Pool?
As swimming pools have electric circuits for pumps, chlorinators, and lights there is the potential for an electrical fault to create a live circuit that could cause electrocution.
Electrical equipment and conductive metal installations in the pool area are required to have an equipotential bond (earthed) or be insulated (non-conductive).
The requirement for earthing is mandated in the Australian Standard Wiring Rules referred to as AS/NZS 3000:2018
How are the electrical wiring rules applied to a swimming pool?
Swimming pools will normally have an earth bond from the reinforcing steel in the concrete shell back to the earth circuit of the power supply.
Why is it Required?
If there was a fault in the pool’s electrical system and you reached out of the pool and touched a metal object that has not been grounded or earthed, you could receive an electric shock, whilst the chances of receiving a fatal electric shock are rare, it is possible to be jolted enough to be incapacitated and drown in the pool.
The Rules - What's Arms Reach?
The wiring standard requires any metal object within arm’s reach or 1250mm of the waterline edge of the pool to be insulated or connected to an earth bond.
Arms reach or 1250mm is in simple terms what your arm’s length could reach if you were in the swimming pool standing at the water’s edge.
How Are Pool Fences Earthed?
Proper earthing of pool fences is essential to protect swimmers from electrical hazards and ensure compliance with regulations. The Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018, also known as the Wiring Rules, provides guidelines for pool fence earthing. According to this standard, pool fences should be electrically bonded to reduce the risk of electric shock.
To achieve proper earthing, there are several options available:
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Keeping the Fence Outside the 1250mm Arm's Reach Zone:
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The AS/NZS 3000:2018 defines a 1250mm arm's reach zone around a pool fence. By positioning the fence outside this zone, you can minimize the need for earthing.
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Using Insulated or Non-Conductive Hardware:
Another option is to utilize insulated or non-conductive hardware for pool fence construction. These materials prevent the passage of electrical current, reducing the risk of electric shock.
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Utilizing Licensed Electrician Services:
Employing a licensed electrician to run copper bond wires to each post or spigot within the earthing zone is a recommended approach. This ensures a proper electrical connection and compliance with relevant regulations.
Do Pool Fence Spigots & Posts Need to Be Earthed?
Spigots and posts are generally made from stainless steel, when using stainless steel spigots or metal posts in the arm's reach zone they must be earthed, and insulated to comply with the standards.
Do You Need to Earth an Aluminum Pool Fence?
Yes, aluminium is a conductive metal and if the fence is installed in the arms reach zone it must be earthed or non conductive.
Do Swimming Pools Need to Be Earthed?
Yes, swimming pools need to be earthed to mitigate electrical hazards. Earthing is an essential safety measure that helps dissipate electrical currents and prevents the risk of electric shock in and around the pool area. By ensuring the pool is properly bonded, you create a path for electrical faults to safely reach the ground.
Do Posts and Spigots Installed On A Timber Deck Need Earthing?
Generally No. If the subframe of the timber deck is constructed of timber there is no requirement for earthing as the timber subframe is nonconductive. An exception to this is if the decking subframe is constructed from metal and the posts are fixed to the metal subframe the posts will require earthing.
How Do I Make Sure My Pool Is Grounded?
To ensure your pool is properly grounded, follow these recommended steps:
- Consult with a licensed electrician or a pool safety professional to assess your specific pool's requirements.
- Consider the AS/NZS 3000:2018 regulations for pool fencing and earthing.
- Implement the appropriate earthing measures, such as keeping the fence outside the 1250mm arm's reach zone, utilizing insulated or non-conductive hardware, or employing a licensed electrician for copper bond wire installation.
- Regularly inspect and maintain the electrical bonding system to ensure its effectiveness.
- Perform periodic electrical safety checks to identify any potential issues promptly.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards and maintain a safe swimming environment.
What Happens If Your Pool Is Not Bonded?
If your pool is not adequately bonded, the risk of electrical hazards significantly increases. In the absence of proper bonding, electrical faults can lead to energized metal components, pool water electrification, or potential differences between various metal parts. These conditions pose a severe threat of electric shock, potentially causing harm to swimmers and anyone in the pool vicinity.
Further Reading & Resources
These external links can provide additional authoritative information and valuable resources for readers seeking further knowledge about pool fence earthing and safety compliance.
External Links
- Standards Australia - Official website of Standards Australia, providing access to relevant regulations and guidelines.
- Royal Life Saving Society - A respected organization focused on promoting water safety, offering valuable resources and information.
- Master Electricians Australia - A professional association for licensed electricians, providing expertise and guidance on electrical safety.
- Pool & Spa Association - An industry association dedicated to promoting best practices and standards in the pool and spa industry.
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