If you are a pool owner, you will want to make sure your family and guests are safe before everyone dives in. One essential is making sure your pool equipment is properly grounded and bonded. Many of our pool customers ask what this means.
Bonding and grounding are two of the most essential electrical safety tasks that pool owners should be aware of. The terms bonding and grounding are often used together but they are actually two totally different processes.
What is Grounding?
Without going into great detail, grounding gives electricity a low-resistance path that leads directly to the earth (usually through a piece of bare copper wire). This allows the electricity to dissipate and prevent electrical shocks. A qualified electrician will ground your pool equipment by attaching a ground wire to the electrical panel that supplies electricity to your pool systems. Equipment may also be grounded through GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. GFCI can detect when your equipment is drawing too much power and interrupt the circuit. This usually indicates a short or fault.
What is Bonding?
Bonding is also known as equipotential bonding. Bonding is the process to equalize the difference in voltage between various parts of your pool equipment. Properly bound pool equipment significantly reduces the risk of shocks. Even with proper grounded electrical equipment it can accumulate charge over time. For example, a pool motor connected to a power line can build up a higher charge than other pieces of metal in the same area. It you happen to touch both the motor and another surface the current can flow through you as it seeks ground. Think of this a static shock when you touch a doorknob after rubbing your feet on the carpet. Bonding basically connects all your pool components together equaling out the charge.
It is highly recommended to contact a trusted electrician for any electrical work around your pool or spa. An annual inspection will give you piece of mind for a safe and enjoyable pool season.
Get the summer pool season off to a good start, schedule an electrical inspection with a trusted and experienced Genesis technician today and discover the Genesis Electric 5 Star Service.