Gfci Pool Light Switch

In the second diagram the light switch is connected to the line terminals of gfci.

Gfci pool light switch. Interrupter switches are an absolute necessity for safety at home or work but that sensitivity can cause a nuisance quite literally. A gfci circuit can be activated by a current change as low as 4 milliamps. In this application the gfci outlet has the power entering the line side and extends through the gfci outlet and is fed out to the circuit from the load side of the gfci outlet. The gfci works by reading a circuit s current for an irregularity that could be a symptom of a shock hazard.

The very reason the original gfci circuit breaker tripped indicates that there is something wrong with the circuit and the gfci circuit breaker was providing the protection against a potential electric shock. It is recommended that you perform maintenance on your gfci devices regularly especially around pool areas. This way the switch and light bulb is gfci protected. If you use the switch for the light and the pool pump they will always be on simultaneously.

Gfci protection is required for all light switches. The national electrical code article 680 20a1 states that a pool light fixture over 15 volts must be gfci protected. Next the wiring may extend out to the light switch where only the black power wire is connected through the switch and the white neutral wires are spliced together. By taking the steps to promote an electrically safe environment you can prevent the chances of shock hazards or even worse death.

These are often easy to spot by the yellow test button and are usually 20 amp breakers. Often the same circuit is used to power a gfci electrical outlet underneath the pool sub panel. Wiring a gfci outlet with a light switch in the first diagram the single way switch and light bulb is connected to the load terminal of gfci. But it will not have gfci protection unless your entire pool circuit is gfci protected at the source.

A gfci for a pool light circuit is generally located on the controller box for the equipment. The gfci outlet itself also works as an electrical outlet to supply most tools and or appliances. The pool light white nuetral is wired straight to the gfci load and the black hot from the pool is wired to one side of the light switch with the other side jumped to the gfci load. That means that the wires coming to the pool light j box must come from a gfci breaker.