There is a hazard lurking within swimming pools that can cause serious injury or death – electrocution.
Electrocutions are silent killers that have caused approximately 60 deaths in Australia in the decade of the late 90s.
Simply coming into contact with metal fittings, like a fence in a pool or spa, can cause electric shock drowning (ESD) if there is an electrical current present in the water.
Many people don’t realise that their swimming pool and spa fencing needs to be earthed by a licenced Electrician – and it’s not just a ‘nice to have’ , it’s the law.
Whether installing a new pool and spa, or requiring earthing for an existing one because you’ve upgraded or replaced pool fencing, the pool wiring experts at Armitage Electrical can help so that you can enjoy a safe pool environment.
In this article, we explain:
- what earthing is,
- why you need it, and
- the Australian earthing (read: legal) requirements.
What is earthing?
Electrical equipment and any conductive metalwork in your pool area are required to be ‘equipotentially bonded’; this is also known as earthing.
Earthing a pool involves connecting a conductive material to the ground for protective measures and improved electrical safety.
The conductors must be appropriately designed and constructed. It also requires corrosion and mechanical resistant protection and, lastly, must be tested following Australian Standards.
Any conductive metal greater than 100mm in any dimension within 1.25m of the pool edge must be earthed.
Why do I need to earth my pool fencing?
It is important to earth your pool fencing because it ensures that the metal fencing does not become electrically charged.
This could be dangerous for anyone who touches the fence, as electrical shock can result in cardiac arrest or other serious injuries.
All Australian states have legislation specifying that all swimming pools must be fenced with properly earthed fences to keep everyone, but especially children, safe around water at all times.
Earthing pool fence spigots
It is a requirement to consult a licensed electrical contractor for the design and installation phase of earthing pool fence spigots.
Spigots are the metal brackets that secure and hold up glass pool fence panels.
PRO TIP: We encourage homeowners planning a pool to contact us early in the design process as there are different requirements for earthing glass and aluminium pool fencing. The type of fencing you go with – and the design of your pool including placement of fencing in relation to the water’s edge can dramatically impact the cost of earthing.
Pool Fence Earthing Requirements: AS3000 Pool Fence Earthing
As per the Australian Standard AS3000:2018 (The Wiring Rules), this work is legally required to be performed by a licenced Electrician.
Pool wiring and earthing is one of our specialities at Armitage Electrical. We help homeowners across North Brisbane ensure their pool wiring and earthing is up to code.
Earthing pool fence for new pool
Before you build a pool fence, plan ahead.
We highly recommend engaging with Armitage Electrical early in the design process to install bonding conductors before building and landscape construction.
Understanding your electrical earthing requirements may impact the design of your pool and fencing!
Who can Earth my Pool Fencing?
If you are looking for someone to earth your fool fencing, look no further than Armitage Electrical!
We understand how important it is to ensure that your electrical systems are safe and secure, so they take extra care in installing fool fencing correctly.
Earthing pool fence: What it is and why you a Licenced Electrician
So before jumping into your new pool, ensure a licenced Electrician has earthed your pool fence, and it meets the required safety standards and regulations.
Proper installation of an earthing pool or spa fence can bring peace of mind – especially given electricity and water don’t mix.
Explore Armitage Electricals services today and ensure a safe swimming environment for you and your loved ones!
Armitage Electrical are your fully qualified and licensed, trustworthy, professional and reliable electricians North Brisbane.
With all-inclusive up-front pricing, Armitage Electrical provides the highest quality electrical, maintenance or repairs on hot water systems, switchboard and mains upgrades, and pool and shed wiring for your home North Brisbane.
For an electrician you can trust to get the job done right, call Armitage Electrical on 1800 230 400 or enquire online here.
