Earth Bonding is mandatory AS/NZS3000:2018
When planning a new pool area or making changes to the placement of your existing pool fencing, most people are aware of maintaining minimum pool fence heights for example. Some pool owners are aware that Compliance is required if you are selling or leasing the property, or are a foster carer for example. However it is not as commonly known that a pool fence must also meet electrical guidelines.
In instances where your pool fence is within 1.25m of the pool edge your fence must be earthed to prevent the risk of electrocution. Basically if there is an electrical current within the pool water and a person in the water touches a metal fitting then this can cause death or serious injury. This requirement means a earth wire must be run between spigots (underground) and then to an earthing point, usually on the house.
It is a requirement under AS3000:2018 that Equipotential Bonding (earth bonding) is required to pool fencing when the fence is within arm’s reach (1.250m) of the pool edge. This applies to any metal component including metal spigots. It also may apply to the electricals of your pool equipment where they are attached to metal fencing or are less than 1250mm from the pool edge. It may apply to extension cords that you may have used to operate your pool filtration equipment.
- Aluminium fencing must maintain continuity throughout the length of the fence within arm’s reach of the water’s edge..
- Glass fencing that has metal spigots or posts within arm’s reach of the water’s edge.
- Alternatively, consider using CFG spigots which have been tested to 1000 volts and are non-conductive. This is a patented Australian invention.
- Electricals located within arm’s reach of your spa pool should be checked for compliance with safety requirements.
- Please ensure that the correct earthing on metal components of your glass or aluminium fencing is done by a qualified and licensed electrical contractor.
The details provided here are to being awareness to pool owners. Ensure you discuss your specific requirements with a licensed and experienced electrician. It is recommended that you speak with an electrician before installing an in-ground pool to ensure that any metal fencing can be more easily earth-bonded.
For further information contact SPASA or head to this link https://www.spasa.com.au/pool-and-spa-owners/faqs-tips-and-tricks/pool-electrical-safety
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Hi Brad
How would you do this after the concrete is poured.
Thanks
Hi Sarah, our best advice is to speak to the tradesman who would be carrying out the earth-bonding.
CFG spigots. Praise be!! I’m so glad I stumbled on this article!
I’m confused by your reply to Mark. You should know the regulations and standards if your certifying pools should you not?
Hi Brad. Pool Certifiers do know the Standards and Regulations required for pool certification. Fair Trading have determined that only an electrician can advise pool owners about the specific requirements of AS/NZS3000:2018 as it relates to their personal circumstance. We are simply following the directive of the Regulatory Body. However our insurers advise that in the absence of information from Fair Trading direct to pool owners, certifiers may warn pool owners of the potential risk and alert them to the Legislation where their fencing is placed too close to the water’s edge. Pool owners are best advised to consult with a licensed and experienced electrician to establish exactly what their specific requirements are.
i was under the impression that 5.6.2.6.5 refers to conductive fixtures and fittings.
I assume you are referring to Mark’s comment?
This article is inacurate. Whilst under some arrangements equipotential bonding is required, it is not always the case.
AS3000:2018 states pool equipotential bonding as a requirement in Clause 5.6.2.6.5 but it is only needed if clauses 5.6.2.6.2 or 5.6.2.6.4 state the requirement for equipotential bonding in the first place.
5.6.2.6.2 pertains to conductive pool structures (such as container pools or above ground pools with steel reenforement, NOT inground concrete or fibreglass pools)
5.6.2.6.4 pertains to electrical equipment (such as pool pumps, heaters, and lighting. Exceptions apply to equipment which is double insultated from the water and not within the classified pool area).
A general setup of an inground concrete or fibreglass pool away from the house with no heating and a double insulated pump is well outside the requirements of equipotential bonding on a fence.
Mark
Licenced Electrician
Thanks for the clarification, however this general advice was provided by SPASA. You will notice that we have not quoted the Legislation – this is simply information to alert pool owners to the potential risk of electrocution and that there was a new Standard released in 2018. Clearly pool owners are best advised to consult with a licensed and experienced electrician to establish exactly what their specific requirements are. We’d rather not take on specifics as we are not electricians.
Have you read this months article on NCZ 5? https://poolcertify.com.au/what-is-ncz5-and-what-objects
Have you read this months article on NCZ 5? https://poolcertify.com.au/what-is-ncz5-and-what-objects