Course Syllabus:

Course Title:                                        Pool & Spa Electrical Requirements

 

Number of Classroom Hours:             1; 1 CE (Pool Electrical)

Method of Presentation:                     Online Course

Intended Target Group:                      Certified and Registered Contractors

 

Provider Information:

Business Name:  On-Line-Classes.com a DBA of INFINITY LC

Business Address:     801 West Bay Dr. Suite #516

                                     Largo, Fl 33770

Contact: Steve Terepka

Phone Number: (888) 405-7849

Email: Steve.Terepka@gmail.com

Provider #: 0004591

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide Certified and Registered Contractors with the electrical requirements for pool and spa installations as outlined by Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Sixth Edition and the 2017 National Electrical Code. By completing the course, the licensee will understand the specifications for grounding and bonding the various electrical components of pools and spas as well as understand the purpose and configuration of the equipotential plane. The course reviews common requirements for permanent and storable installations as well specialized equipment and fountains.

 

Course Learning Objectives:

      To pinpoint the codes that regulate electrical requirements for pools and spas.

      To provide licensees with a foundational level of knowledge of grounding, bonding and the equipotential plane for pool and spa installations, including conductive pool shells, perimeter surfaces, metallic components, underwater lighting, metal fittings, electrical equipment, and fixed metal parts.

      To pinpoint clearances for various types of conductors that may be present in the pool area such as overhead conductors, communications conductors, underground wiring and cord-and-plug connected equipment.

      To identify the requirements for permanently installed pools and spas as well as storable pools and spas such as motor wiring and luminaire wiring design,

      To discuss additional requirements for specialized equipment such as gas-fired equipment, deck heating, electrical covers and lifts and underwater audio equipment,

      To provide information on the electrical requirements for fountains and fountain signs.

 

Course Timeline:

This is a 50-minute course with the following approximate timeline:

·         Section 1- Introduction to Pool/Spa Electrics                                     15.25 Minutes

Learning Exercise 1

·         Section 2- Permanent and Storable Pools and Spas                             23. 5 Minutes

Learning Exercise 2

·         Section 3- Specialized Equipment and Fountains                                 14.5 Minutes

Learning Exercise 3

 

                                                                              Total Time:                       53.25 Minutes

                                                + Est. 3 Minutes per Exercise:                            9 Minutes

                                                                        Total Est. Time:                      62.25 Minutes

 

Course Outline:

Section 1- Introduction to Pool/Spa Electrics- Pinpoints the sources for obtaining pool electrical requirements as outlined by Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code and the 2017 NEC; Reviews the electrical components used in pool installations and hazards associated with water and electricity; Defines the concepts of grounding versus bonding and the various components that should be grounded and bonded; Explains the purpose of the equipotential plane, the components that must be connected, and the means for creating the electrical bonds; and Reviews the methods for each part of the plane, including: conductive pool shells, perimeter surfaces, metallic components, underwater lighting, metal fittings, electrical equipment and fixed metal parts.

Learning Exercise 1

Section 2- Permanent and Storable Pools and Spas – Pinpoints clearance and coverage requirements for various types of conductors that may be present in the pool area, including: overhead conductors, communications, radio and TV cables, underground wiring and cord-and-plug connected equipment, Defines the qualities of corrosive environments and appropriate pump motor wiring methods therein for permanently installed pools; Details the primary pump wiring methods for additional specified circumstances such as flexible connections, cord-and-plug connections, double insulated pool pumps and GFCI protection; Explains the requirements for motor disconnecting means and receptacle and equipment locations; Examines the installation of wet-niche, dry-niche and no-niche underwater luminaires; and Reviews the requirements specific to outdoor, indoor, and storable spas and hot tubs.

Learning Exercise 2

Section 3- Specialized Equipment and Fountains - Discusses requirements for specialized pool equipment such as gas-fired equipment, including low-voltage equipment, deck heating, electrically operated pool covers, electrically operated pool lifts, and underwater audio equipment; and Details the requirements for permanently installed fountains and associated equipment, including luminaires, submersible pumps, flexible cords, cord-and-plug connected equipment, signs and their respective grounding and bonding requirements.

Learning Exercise 3

 

Method of Presentation:  This is an online course that consists of collegiate-style lectures that have been professionally narrated by subject matter experts, animated with relevant graphics and media, and converted to Flash for web delivery to provide licensees with a first-rate learning experience.

Evaluation Method:

Licensees will be evaluated on their comprehension of the material covered by administering three (3) brief learning exercises, interspersed throughout the course, upon which successful completion of each  is required before advancement to the next section is allowed or course credit is earned. 

References:

·         Florida Building Code, Accessibility, 6th Edition (2017), Chapter 10 (Recreation Facilities)- Section 1009 Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and Spas.

·         Florida Building Code, Building, 6th Edition (2017), Chapter 27 (Electrical)- Section 2701 General.

·         Florida Building Code, Residential 6th Edition (2017), Chapter 45 (Private Residential Pools)- Section R4501.16 Electrical.

·         Florida Statutes, 2017, Chapter 489- Contracting, Section 489.105- Definitions.

·         Holmes, S. (2003, July/August). Mismatching Wet-Niche Luminaires with Forming Shells Can Be a Shocking Combination. https://www.ul.com/global/documents/offerings/perspectives/regulators/electrical/newsletters/swimpool0803.pdf

·         National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition, Article 100- Definitions, Article 547- Agricultural Buidings (for the definition of equipotential plane), Article 680- Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations.

·         Program for Resource Efficient Communities, University of Florida. (2016, June) NFPA Fact Sheet: Swimming Pool Electrical Safety. http://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/thecode/2017_Code_Development/2017_Resources/Swimming%20Pool%20Electrical%20Safety%20-%20fact%20sheet%20-%202016-06-30.pdf

·         Shonesy, K. (2017, May, 26). Minimizing the Risk of Electric Shock around Pools and Lakes. https://phys.org/news/2017-05-minimizing-electric-pools-lakes.html

 

 

Instructor Information:

Known Instructors:                            ______________________

·          

Future Instructors:  Any and all future instructors for this course will be qualified by the following criteria:

·         Appropriate state Certification and relevant work experience or

·         4-Year college degree in relevant field of study and appropriate experience