Main Circuit Breaker Question

John_and_Val · Feb 17, 2019

I am in the process of building a pool in South Florida and have a electrical question. Is it required and/or normal to have a circuit breaker in my main panel for the pool and then another breaker the same size in the automation/load center at the equipment pad?

For example - I want to supply the Pentair intellicenter with a 100 amp service. So Would i need to put a 100 amp breaker in my panel in the garage, run the appropriate wires in conduit to the intellicenter - then put another 100 amp breaker in the load center of the intellicenter panel?

Not sure if there is some code stating that a shutoff has to be at the pad????

Thanks in advance!

RMcGirr83 · Feb 17, 2019

I assume pools are like hot tubs. You need a sub-panel within x feet of a hot tub by code as a quick disconnect of equipment from power. Not sure about pools but I would think the same would hold true.

CHAPTER 42 SWIMMING POOLS | 2018 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings | ICC premiumACCESS E4203.3 looks like it covers that.

By the way I'm not an electrician.

Jimrahbe · Feb 17, 2019

J&V,

I am not an electrician either, but the Pentair load centers are not designed with a master breaker position..

Basically the power comes into the load center and is then distributed on bus bars to all of the circuit breakers.

My panel, which was installed by an electrician, has a 50 amp breaker in the house panel and then several breakers in the EasyTouch, none larger than 20 amps.

Thanks,

Jim R.

tstex · Feb 17, 2019

Jim answered your question. The breaker that feeds your pool panel should be from the house. Then the power is distributed to all the various [GFCI] breakers in your panel. Each pump. esp VSP's, should have their own DP 20amp GFCI circuit. this is where you should focus your efforts, in making sure all the equipment is properly powered w the correct amp breaker, and pumps isolated on their own breaker. You should also focus on installing a Surge Protector in your pool panel, and or in your house panel at a minimum.

John_and_Val · Feb 18, 2019

That's what i thought....one "main breaker" at the original Breaker Panel.........than the feeder wires powering up the intellicenter........then independent breakers for all equipment needs. But then I find this :

Jimrahbe · Feb 18, 2019

J&V,

Seems like that is what the circuit breakers in the automation load centers do.. :scratch:

The real key here is who is going to be inspecting this installation? If the city, then only they know the answer they want... I would simply ask them.

Thanks,

Jim R.

John_and_Val · Feb 18, 2019

I have perimeter electrical inspection today.....I will ask
Also - code requires electric to be buried at least 18"....does that include "low voltage"? everything in my pool build gets dropped down to 12V at equipment pad transformers.

John_and_Val · Feb 18, 2019

All inspections passed. They said that i can put a 100 amp (or 80, even) at the main circuit panel in the garage, run my feeders to the intellicenter and then just have individual breakers for the equipment.....