Consumer Product Safety Commission
Safety Alert
Install Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter
Protection for Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
CPSC Document #5039
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the
installation of ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for consumers against
electrical shock hazards in pool underwater lighting circuits and in electric circuits of
spas and hot tubs.
CPSC is aware of three recent electrical shock incidents involving the electric heater
circuits of spas or hot tubs. Recently, a maintenance worker was electrocuted while
repairing a pool light fixture.
A GFCI constantly monitors current flowing in a circuit to sense any loss of current. If
the current flowing through two circuit conductors differs by a very small amount, the
GFCI instantly interrupts the current flow to prevent a lethal amount of electricity from
reaching the consumer. The consumer may feel a painful shock but will not be electrocuted.
The National Electrical Code provides for GFCI protection for cord-and-plug connected spas
and
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hot tubs, and for lighting fixtures and receptacle outlets in the vicinity
of pools, spas and hot tubs. However, the code does not require GFCI protection for all
electrical equipment, particularly 240 volt equipment. Older pools, spas and hot tubs may
not have adequate GFCI protection. In particular, pools older than 10-15 years may not
have GFCI protection on underwater lighting circuits. Underwater swimming pool lighting
fixtures and spa/hot tub heaters are a potential source of electrocution. Both 120 volt
and 240 volt circuits should be protected by GFCIs.
Although grounding may provide some protection for pool, spa, and hot tub equipment, GFCIs
are the most effective means for protecting consumers against electric shock hazards.
CPSC urges consumers to have an electrician install adequate GFCI protection for all spa
and hot tub electrical equipment and for underwater swimming pool lighting fixtures.
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ELECTROCUTION HAZARD
- Install a GFCI on underwater light circuits operating at more than 15 volts.
- Install a GFCI to protect all electrical equipment used with spas and hot tubs, including
spa and hot tub heaters with 240 volt circuits.
GFCIs should be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of
injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To
report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800)
638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270
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