2 volts in pool, bond wire, grounding rods

SunTitan said:
we also have fiberglass handrails and ladder.
Click to expand...
That's ok but are the ladder and the rail escutcheons metal? Most builders will use aluminum. My preference is bronze.
The escutcheons must be bonded and when a ladder or rail is secured in them, they too become bonded because of the mechanical connection by tightening the wedge.
 
Mystic Pools said:
That's ok but are the ladder and the rail escutcheons metal? Most builders will use aluminum. My preference is bronze.
The escutcheons must be bonded and when a ladder or rail is secured in them, they too become bonded because of the mechanical connection by tightening the wedge.
Click to expand...
I should clarify. If a metal ladder or rail are used, they will become bonded when secured.
 
Ha - I've been calling them the "ladder and handrail receptacles". They are bronze. This is what the POCO connected the copper plate to before putting it in the water.
 
SunTitan said:
Ha - I've been calling them the "ladder and handrail receptacles". They are bronze. This is what the POCO connected the copper plate to before putting it in the water.
Click to expand...
Some call them ladder or rail cups. Anchor is the correct term. Escutcheons are the trim plates.
Bronze is the better choice.
 
It is possible you have a leakage current problem. You need to measure the current in the ground line. It should be zero. A few milliamps is ok but amps is very bad. Leakage current is caused by a high resistance short from hot to ground. Leakage current problems are very hard to find. If that's the problem, good luck. You will have get a clip-on meter that is more sensitive than the at one's at the box stores. Just sayin.
 
Another update - they want to install a "skimmer" water bond. I suspect they are cheaping out on the metal ladder and handrail that was promised on Friday.

Are these reliable? Do i show my @$$ and demand metal fixtures?
 
I do not like the skimmer water bond. They are not very accessible if in need of replacement. Especially on concrete pools.

I have always used the in-line water bond from Perma-Cast. Model PB-2008

The pool contractor would have to install a Tee fitting in the pool plumbing at the equipment pad. I put it on the discharge pipe from the filter. It's accessible for replacement need be. It ties in with the bond wire for the motors, heater, etc. on the pad.

Why are they asking for a skimmer water bond now? The water is supposed to be bonded.
 
They use the in line perma cast, bust installed it vertically and buried it almost a foot underground. We put a copper plate in the pool attached to #4 wire on the lug for the handrail anchor and the voltage dropped to 0. I was told on Friday that they would bring a metal ladder and handrail today, but they opted to try a skimmer bond. I told them that it sounded like they are cheaping out.
 
SunTitan said:
They use the in line perma cast, bust installed it vertically and buried it almost a foot underground. We put a copper plate in the pool attached to #4 wire on the lug for the handrail anchor and the voltage dropped to 0. I was told on Friday that they would bring a metal ladder and handrail today, but they opted to try a skimmer bond. I told them that it sounded like they are cheaping out.
Click to expand...
The location was probably correct in that the water bond is suppose to be below the normal operating water level (most require 3 inches below), the installation was messed up. All they needed was a hand hole access to the water bond location and then it is serviceable and available for periodic inspections.
 
Final Update - The builder came out yesterday and installed the metal ladder and handrail. All voltage to zero. For whatever reason, the water was not bonded, but using the metal ladder to the bonded anchors was the solution. The builder, electrician, and myself are all still a little puzzled as to why the perma-cast didn't work - other than possibly the installation. Either way, it has been in the upper 90's all week so far and we were glad to be able to use it yesterday. EMC is still looking for the stray voltage.

I appreciate everyone's advice and help. Happy swimming!
 
SunTitan said:
The builder, electrician, and myself are all still a little puzzled as to why the perma-cast didn't work - other than possibly the installation.
Click to expand...
Did anyone take it apart to make sure something not going on inside to inhibit contact with the water?

Seems a little unlikely but you never know what you might find.
 
kwired said:
Did anyone take it apart to make sure something not going on inside to inhibit contact with the water?

Seems a little unlikely but you never know what you might find.
Click to expand...
They did not - I mentioned it to the builder who is relaying the information to the plumber and owner of the company. As someone mentioned here earlier, I am a little concerned now that this fitting is underground and that a seal may/will fail eventually, causing the pump to take on air as it is installed on the suction side. I asked the builder to check on removing it. Worst case, I can dig it up and remove it, then install a new solid PVC in its place.
 
SunTitan said:
Final Update - The builder came out yesterday and installed the metal ladder and handrail. All voltage to zero. For whatever reason, the water was not bonded, but using the metal ladder to the bonded anchors was the solution. The builder, electrician, and myself are all still a little puzzled as to why the perma-cast didn't work - other than possibly the installation. Either way, it has been in the upper 90's all week so far and we were glad to be able to use it yesterday. EMC is still looking for the stray voltage.

I appreciate everyone's advice and help. Happy swimming!
Click to expand...
Don't take out that ladder! IT is now the water bond.
Keep digging on why the inline is not working.
 
SunTitan said:
Final Update - The builder came out yesterday and installed the metal ladder and handrail. All voltage to zero. For whatever reason, the water was not bonded, but using the metal ladder to the bonded anchors was the solution. The builder, electrician, and myself are all still a little puzzled as to why the perma-cast didn't work - other than possibly the installation. Either way, it has been in the upper 90's all week so far and we were glad to be able to use it yesterday. EMC is still looking for the stray voltage.

I appreciate everyone's advice and help. Happy swimming!
Click to expand...
Glad it's resolved. Stay vigilant but don't let worrying about it consume you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top