Pool pump DB, fixed appliance or sub DB

[Isetech]

Something else to point out looking at the pic Dave posted, the location of the socket outlet is just as important as the IP rating.

I recently did an audit on a COC issued for a property, one of the many items the inspector had to return to "fix" was the brand pool DB they installed below the flood level.

My concern with the socket outlet in the pic is the height of the over flow pipe. It doesnt help installing an IP rated socket outlet if the over flow pipe for a sunken pool pump is below the flood line.

Another reason offering advice on a picture like this should not be taken as the law, this socket outlet could be under a awning or above the ground.

[Isetech]

While on this topic, something else to consider, would the area within the pool pump be regarded as a safe location to install switchgear for lights around the pool or any other equipment which must not be mounted in zone 0,1 or 2 as per section 7.2 of the code.

[Isetech]

Time to start move this up a notch, I see too many pools with the pump close to the water.

7.2 Swimming pools, paddling pools, ornamental pools, spas
and fountains
7.2.1 General
7.2.1.1 The particular requirements of this subclause apply to the basins of
swimming pools, paddling pools, ornamental pools, outdoor spas and
fountains. The requirements also apply to the surrounding zones of all these
basins. In these areas, in normal use, the effect of electric shock is increased
by a reduction in body resistance and contact of the body with earth potential.

[Isetech]

Lets start with the zones.


7.2.2 Zones

7.2.2.1 General
For the purposes of this part of SANS 10142, areas in and around swimming
pools, paddling pools, ornamental pools, spas and fountains are divided into
zones 0, 1, and 2. The boundaries of these zones are indicated in
figures 7.2.1, 7.2.2 and 7.2.3 and requirements are based on the dimensions
of the zones.

7.2.2.2 Zone 0
Zone 0 is the interior of the basin including any recess(es) in the walls or floor,
and of the basin for foot cleaning.

7.2.2.3 Zone 1
7.2.2.3.1 Zone 1 is limited by
a) zone 0,
b) a vertical plane 2 m from the rim of the basin,
c) the floor or the surface expected to be occupied by persons, and
d) the horizontal plane 2,5 m above the floor or the surface.
7.2.2.3.2 When a swimming pool has a diving board, a springboard, starting
blocks, a chute(s) or other components expected to be occupied by persons,
zone 1 also comprises the zone being limited by
a) a vertical plane situated 1,5 m around the diving board, springboard,
starting blocks, chute(s) and other components such as accessible
sculptures and decorative basins, and
b) the horizontal plane 2,5 m above the highest surface intended to be
occupied by persons.

7.2.2.4 Zone 2
7.2.2.4.1 Zone 2 is limited by
a) the vertical plane external to zone 1 and a parallel plane 1,5 m from zone 1,
b) the floor or the surface intended to be occupied by persons, and
c) the horizontal plane 2,5 m above the floor or the surface.
7.2.2.4.2 There is no zone 2 in the case of fountains.
7.2.2.4.3 The dimensions are measured taking account of the edge of the
container, the walls and fixed partitions (see figures 7.2.1, 7.2.2 and 7.2.3).

[Isetech]

Lets try that again as we read the regs and start getting a clearer understanding.

If you install a cable to an appliance, you cannot use surfix, twin+E or armoured cable.

There must be no junction boxes if the voltage is above 12 V

No random socket outlets for the weed eater etc.



7.2.4.2 Wiring systems


7.2.4.2.1 Cables shall
a) comply with SANS 1507 (all parts), and
b) not have exposed metal armouring.
7.2.4.2.2 Wiring may consist of single-core cables in insulated conduits or of
multicore cables with an insulating sheath.
7.2.4.2.3 In zones 0, 1 and 2, wiring systems shall be limited to the wiring
systems necessary for the supply of appliances situated in such zones. The
shortest possible route shall be used.
7.2.4.2.4 In a circuit in zone 0 or zone 1, there shall be
a) one appliance only,
b) no junction boxes for voltages exceeding 12 V, and
c) only conduits of insulating material.

[Isetech]

You cannot install a pool DB in zone 0 or 1, but you can install it in zone 2 provided it has an IP rating of

c) in zone 2: IP22 for indoor locations;IPX4 for outdoor locations;
IPX5 where water jets are likely to occur for cleaning purposes.

You can install a socket outlet in zone 2 which is protected by an ELU and has an IP rating mentioned above, and can have a double socket outlet provided it is feeding
appliances situated in that zone.

The pool DB can be installed in zone 2, provided it is fed from a circuit which has 30 mA protection. It would not be suitable to install the ELU in the pool DB, because all the switchgear in zone 2 must be protected.

7.2.4.3 Switchgear and accessories
7.2.4.3.1 There shall be no switchgear or accessories in zones 0 and 1.
7.2.4.3.2 In zone 2, any socket-outlet or switch shall be
a) supplied individually by a class II isolating transformer that is installed
outside the zone and that operates at a nominal voltage not exceeding
50 V, or
b) protected by an earth leakage protection device that has a rated earth
leakage tripping current (rated residual current) IΔn not exceeding 30 mA.

[Isetech]

The question is simple, would a fibre glass pool pump cover be considered as a suitable barrier? The answer to this question changes everything.

What is the IP rating of a fibreglass pool pump cover, does it have a suitable IP rating to allow an open socket outlet on the side of the DB ?

You could fit an IP 65 or 7 rated pool DB without a socket on the side of the DB and connect the pool pump directly in the DB, which becomes a maintenance issue. I suppose he could isolate the power at the main switch which is protected by a 30 mA ELU, mounted in the DB which is within arms reach. Would you want your pool guy playing with the electrics, I doubt it.