Copper Equipotential Bonding Grid is a system of copper conductors buried in the ground around a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub to create a conductive grid that helps maintain a safe electrical environment. It is also commonly known as a “pool bonding grid” or “pool bonding system”. The main purpose of the Copper Equipotential Bonding Grid is to prevent electrical shocks and electrocution by eliminating potential differences between different metal components in the pool area.
Electrical shock incidents in swimming pools are often caused by faulty electrical equipment, such as pool pumps or underwater lights, which can create an electrical current in the water. The current can flow through the water and reach swimmers or people in contact with metal objects around the pool, such as ladders, railings, or diving boards. The current can be especially dangerous if it passes through the body, causing muscular contractions, loss of control, or even paralysis.
To prevent these incidents, the Copper Equipotential Bonding Grid is installed around the pool, spa, or hot tub. It consists of a series of copper conductors, usually 8 or 10-gauge wires, that are buried in a grid pattern around the pool area, connecting all metal parts in the pool area together. The grid is connected to a bonding lug on the pool’s equipment pad, which is then connected to the main bonding lug of the house’s electrical system.
The bonding grid ensures that all metal parts in the pool area are at the same electrical potential, or voltage so that no potential differences can exist between them. This means that even if an electrical current is introduced into the pool water, it will not create a potential difference between metal objects in the pool area, and therefore, will not create a shock hazard. Instead, the current will be safely conducted through the bonding grid and back to the electrical source, without passing through anyone in the pool area.
The Copper Equipotential Bonding Grid is also designed to provide protection in case of a fault in the electrical system, such as a short circuit or ground fault. In such cases, the fault current will be diverted through the bonding grid instead of flowing through the pool water, reducing the risk of electrical shock or electrocution.
In addition to the Copper Equipotential Bonding Grid, other safety measures are recommended to ensure a safe electrical environment around swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs. These include the installation of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for all electrical equipment used in or near the pool area, regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment, and the use of non-metallic or low-voltage lighting systems.
Overall, the Copper Equipotential Bonding Grid is an important component of a safe and properly maintained swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. It provides a conductive path for electrical currents to flow safely, reducing the risk of electrical shock or electrocution for swimmers and other people in the pool area. Pool owners should always make sure that their bonding grid is properly installed, maintained, and inspected, and that all electrical equipment is properly grounded and protected with GFCIs.