Breaker requirements for swimming pool equipment

[ramsy]

So although the county isn’t asking for a valid affidavit, I am getting one. When I confronted the builder, he said because I already had the feeder panel that anyone can wire it and no license is required. The inspector says otherwise but like I said, they don’t seem to be taking it seriously.

Maybe your AHJ is experienced enough with negligent General Contractors (GC), to feel their electrical inspectors are competent enough to force the electrical corrections?

If you don't share that confidence, you could hire a licensed electrician to double-check inspectors work, and file correction report to AHJ.
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Never heard of AHJ's using an affidavit from GC's, but it certainly could be attempted for AHJ indemnity.

If GC negligence is anticipated as common practice, similar to owner-builder negligence, AHJ's could adapt an affidavit to clarify liability, effectively indemnifying themselves (see Lowe v. Lowndes) without screening for qualified persons during electrical permits.

Seems to me any whistle blower that notifies AHJ in writing of changes, or invalid affidavit, would obligate AHJ to hold up electrical permit requiring new affidavit. You may be helping GC cover his assets by forcing new affidavit. If affidavit established qualified persons, before issuing electrical permit, AHJ may only needs one affidavit.

 

[lanel]

I put almost every breaker on GFCI to heat, pump, covers, lights, salter, general outlet and even sump pumps under the pool.
I've not had any call backs. I use ITE or Siemens.

I just had to remove the GFCI on the control itself (which supplies voltage to the salt water generator) because it was tripping out constantly. Will have to look at the brand, though it may be in the pic I posted.

That means you get inspections

Yes, they do inspections but it's a rural county and unlike larger counties where the inspectors may have the expertise, they pass off any liability to whoever signs the affidavit. I do not think that they have a thorough knowledge of electrical code. One inspector for the entire county.

 

[Buck Parrish]

I just had to remove the GFCI on the control itself (which supplies voltage to the salt water generator) because it was tripping out constantly. Will have to look at the brand, though it may be in the pic I posted.

Has it ever occurred to you that it is tripping because it is doing it's job? Perhaps it detects a problem. I mean really with the shotty work that's been performed that's visible. Who knows if they didn't nick the wire somewhere in the salt generator.

 

[ramsy]

Has it ever occurred to you that it is tripping because it is doing it's job? Perhaps it detects a problem. I mean really with the shotty work that's been performed that's visible. Who knows if they didn't nick the wire somewhere in the salt generator.

Good excuse to call a service electrician to fix GFCI issue with salt water generator, and perhaps check installation. Maybe even give you a hazard-abatement report.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Good excuse to call a service electrician to fix GFCI issue with salt water generator, and perhaps check installation. Maybe even give you a hazard-abatement report.

I had to Google that Hazard Abatement. But yep.

To the OP one way to check those GFCIs is to open the cover of the equipment, make sure the wires are not touching the sides of the box. Or pull them out so they're not touching the box or each other.
Then try the gfci breaker.
Second, disconnect the equipment ground and the eqipotential bond then try the gfci. If it holds you know it was tripping for a reason.
Not fool proof, but it usually works.

 

[Little Bill]

I think we have helped all we can on this subject and it's starting to head into DIY. So the thread is now closed. Also, it appears it could go into legal action in which we can't get involved.
To the OP: I would research and find a qualified electrician experienced with pools. Hire them on your own and fight that out with the contractor later.