LED Pool Lights

[cowboyjwc]

Aren't 12V lights (which couldn't possibly kill you) fed from a remote source as well?
Does it make a difference? If the 12V transformer can fail and short out on 120V, so can an LED Driver.

Look at article 411.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

We install a lot of led pool lights in SW FL, always hooked to an Intermatic 12v transformer(PX100 or PX300) non GFI.

Hayward Color Logic Led lights have a #8 bond wire that runs back to the pool light junction box but no gfi protection on the circuit.

Savi Melody Led pool lights made by Nexxus lighting, fit into IIRC an 1 1/2" pvc pipe for the light shell and do not require the #8 bond wire.

Apparently this is allowed by 680.23(A)(2)

(2) Transformers and Power Supplies. Transformers and power supplies used for the supply of underwater luminaires, together with the transformer or power supply enclosure, shall be listed for swimming pool and spa use. The transformer or power supply shall incorporate either a transformer of the isolated winding type, with an ungrounded secondary that has a grounded metal barrier between the primary and secondary windings, or one that incorporates an approved system of double insulation between the primary and secondary windings.

Also 680.23(A)(3) has been changed-- the bold type used to say 15 volts

(3) GFCI Protection, Relamping. A ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in the branch circuit supplying luminaires operating at more than the low voltage contact limit such that there is no shock hazard during relamping. The installation of the ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be such that there is no shock hazard with any likely fault condition combination that involves a person in a conductive
path from any ungrounded part of the branch circuit or the luminaire to ground.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I assume low voltage landscape lighting is not allowed within 5' of the pool because the transformers are not rated for use near pools and are not designed as the underwater LV pool light transformers

 

[rbwsparky]

I'm about to install a Magic Stream Laminar, and Installation manual and inspector are requiring GFI. This is a 12 volt LED that shines light through a 16 foot stream of water. If that adds any comfort to your $10 GFI quandry