Ring 200W transformer for pool lights

[nid15]

Hi,

I have landscape lights which work off the the 200W ring transformer plugged into gfci outlet. There is plenty of power left and I was wondering if I can use the same line to power this 12v light? I am OK with the same timing etc. I read in some forums that landscape transformer work but by code yiu need pool rated transformer. My question is if the ring works, will it be safe?

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Amazon.com: Roleadro Led Pool Light, Waterproof IP68 47W RGB Swimming Pool Lights Multi Color（Not Include White） , 12V AC/DC Led Inground Pool Light Control with Remote Controller（Not Include Battery )- 5ft Cord: Home Improvement

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[Jimrahbe]

15,

The reason for the code is to make it safe.. So no, it will not be safe.. It will work right up to the point someone dies.. Might never fail, but are you going to bet your life on it???

A pool rated transformer is made so that if it fails it cannot let the 120 volts AC primary voltage to bleed over into the low voltage secondary side.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ajw22]

Hi,

I have landscape lights which work off the the 200W ring transformer plugged into gfci outlet. There is plenty of power left and I was wondering if I can use the same line to power this 12v light? I am OK with the same timing etc. I read in some forums that landscape transformer work but by code yiu need pool rated transformer. My question is if the ring works, will it be safe?

Amazon.com: Roleadro Led Pool Light, Waterproof IP68 47W RGB Swimming Pool Lights Multi Color（Not Include White） , 12V AC/DC Led Inground Pool Light Control with Remote Controller（Not Include Battery )- 5ft Cord: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Roleadro Led Pool Light, Waterproof IP68 47W RGB Swimming Pool Lights Multi Color（Not Include White） , 12V AC/DC Led Inground Pool Light Control with Remote Controller（Not Include Battery )- 5ft Cord: Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

You answered your own question. A non listed transformer has not been proven to be safe in a pool and does not meet the NEC .

 

[nid15]

You answered your own question. A non listed transformer has not been proven to be safe in a pool and does not meet the NEC .

Thanks. I read one of your posts that says "120V with a GFCI is as safe as 12V from a transformer."
In this case the ring transformer is connected to GFCI. In case the low voltage end fails, won't the gfci trip?

 

[ajw22]

Thanks. I read one of your posts that says "120V with a GFCI is as safe as 12V from a transformer."
In this case the ring transformer is connected to GFCI. In case the low voltage end fails, won't the gfci trip?

Safety systems have double and triple redundancy so that a single point of failure will not make a system dangerous.

Having a device “listed” demonstrates that it is proven to be safe is part of the redundancies in the NEC. If the Ring transformer has not been proven safe it is not approved for pool use. It does not matter that there are other safety devices there.

 

[nid15]

Thanks. Appreciate your input.
We moved into the house last year and this is a 50 year old pool. Could an electrician check all the wiring/bonding/grounds to make sure the pool is safe without ripping out things? Should I be looking for a special type of electrician? We are in central NJ.

 

[ajw22]

Thanks. Appreciate your input.
We moved into the house last year and this is a 50 year old pool. Could an electrician check all the wiring/bonding/grounds to make sure the pool is safe without ripping out things? Should I be looking for a special type of electrician? We are in central NJ.

Understanding pool bonding and electrical safety is not something all electricians understand. You need to find the right electrician.

An electrician can inspect the the pool and equipment and make a determination if it meets current NEC requirements and state that the GFCI was tested and found to be functioning. An electrician cannot say it is safe.

Taking the Mystery Out of Equipotential Bonding Requirements for Swimming Pools is a good primer to understand equipotential bonding in pools.

A good reference is from Mike Holt Enterprises on Article 680—Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations.

Also How to Verify That a Pool is Safe from Electric Shock – In Accordance with the National Electrical Code from Mike Holt.