Swimming Pool Lighting

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Nick Toth

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Hello!

I am a little surprised that 115vac lighting can be placed within 5 feet of the inside wall of a swimming pool, but 12vac lighting must be a minimum of 10 feet away... not sure I understand the logic of that.

MY QUESTION IS: Is there any limitation on placement of 12vDC SOLAR lighting around a swimming pool?

Any help would be appreciated! Nick
 
Nick Toth said:
Hello!

I am a little surprised that 115vac lighting can be placed within 5 feet of the inside wall of a swimming pool, but 12vac lighting must be a minimum of 10 feet away... not sure I understand the logic of that.
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Yes, but there are other qualifications. If a new installation outdoors, the fixtures must be 12' above the pool's water level. If indoors and gfci protected, it can be reduced to 7'6". Only existing permits 5' above the pool, but you still need gfci protection.

MY QUESTION IS: Is there any limitation on placement of 12vDC SOLAR lighting around a swimming pool?

Any help would be appreciated! Nick
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No.
 
I agree with Bryan. Sorry, but my first response was to the second question about the solar light.
 
How is it exempted from the NEC?

It is an SDS and looks like it's covered by 690 given the scope and definitions.

Just wondering...?
 
I suppose those self-powering flash lights that you shake back and forth to energize would be prohibited from being used near or in a pool?

I believe the OP is referring to the little solar powered landscape lights which I do not believe meets the scope of 690. As a matter of fact, mine look quite nice floating around in my pool at night... ;)
 
bphgravity said:
I suppose those self-powering flash lights that you shake back and forth to energize would be prohibited from being used near or in a pool?

I believe the OP is referring to the little solar powered landscape lights which I do not believe meets the scope of 690. As a matter of fact, mine look quite nice floating around in my pool at night... ;)
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Brian I am not saying these items should be covered but I am seriously asking what exempts them.

If you read the scope of the NEC and 690 along with the 690.2 definition IMO these lights do fall under 690.

Solar Photovoltaic System. The total components and subsystems that, in combination, convert solar energy into electrical energy suitable for connection to a utilization load.
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What am I missing?

If this was a light powered by a small generator could I place it at the pool edge?

Just wondering.
 
What about a boom box loaded with D batteries? I think calling one of those solar lights a photovoltaic system is a stretch.
 
690 doesn't have anything to do with the question. The solar light is a lighting fixture and 6809.22(B)(1) applies.
Don
The reference should be 680.22(B)(1). Sorry
 
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I wasn't joking when I stated I have floating solar lights. I see them all the time, and they are listed...

P6930_2006.jpg
 
bphgravity said:
I wasn't joking when I stated I have floating solar lights.
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From the OP

Nick Toth said:
MY QUESTION IS: Is there any limitation on placement of 12vDC SOLAR lighting around a swimming pool?
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I was thinking more along the lines of these solar lights.

SSBC11495850.jpg


They look like they get 'installed'.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
The solar light is a lighting fixture and 6809.22(B)(1) applies.
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Holy Rip Van Winkel, Batman! I've been asleep for a long time! What code cycle are we in now??? :eek:
 
There is practically no difference in the two products. Take the ones in your picture, remove them from the base, and through them in the pool and you no have floating solar lights. (assuming they don't sink)
 
Thank you all for your input!
I was actually thinking of a solar-powered system of 12vdc lights using a single storage battery and solar panel, completely detached from the house electrical system. Still not sure if, or how, the NEC applies in this case since it is a completely separate system. I would think it would be safe as long as the proper controller and overcurrent-protection is supplied. Also, I would bond any exposed metallic parts to the pool steel. I can't imagine it to be a safetly concern if the lights are mounted say 4' away from the pool edge.

Thanks again! Nick
 
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