FL Sunseeker Pool Lights

[Bwdonohues58]

Florida Sunseeker Pool Tone lights
So I started out with Pentair GloBrites in my pool and one of them failed in about a year so be I gradually replaced them with the Pooltone ones from FL Sunseeker. All was well for about 1-½ years until last Friday when one started making a popping sound and thick smoke came out unto the power was cut. Very strong electrical smell. I removed it and put one of the old Pentair lights back in . You can see in the photo the black spot in the shaft of the light just where the inside must have burned through. It’s where the smell comes from. I called them and emailed photos but haven’t heard anything back. This one is clearly defective, probably due to a manufacturing error. I’m wondering if any members have had any problems using these lights? LED lights are supposed to last for many years, no? The other lights in the pool were not affected by this and the transformer button tripped but is fine now.

 

[ajw22]

We have been recommending them a lot. Let us know how they handle your problem.

@flaled

 

[JamesW]

Is the bad light a Pentair or a FL Sunseeker?

Lights have to be listed by a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) like UL or Intertek.

It is my understanding that the FL Sunseeker lights are not listed.

 

[JamesW]

Is this fixture U.L. listed?

Is this fixture approved by Underwriters Laboratories?

Comment (1)

PRO:

Florida Sunseeker

4 years ago

The fixtures was designed, manufactured and tested to conform with UL 676. And also with all NEC, NIST and NFPA 70 requirements. It was tested for compliance by a third party.

Is this fixture U.L. listed?

Is this fixture approved by Underwriters Laboratories?

www.houzz.com

UL Listing required?

When replacing a light fixture that is in a wet niche, is the new fixture required to be UL Listed? I'm considering a fixture from sunseeker, but it is not UL. I would really like to go with the SS fixture, but don't want to do something wrong.

www.troublefreepool.com

They claim that the product was tested by a “Third Party”, which is not an acceptable “Listing”.

For all we know, the third party might be just some random unqualified person.

The product has to be tested by a Recognized Testing Laboratory.

The testing laboratory needs to be certified to test to the specific standard, which is UL676.

The term “Recognized” means recognized by your local authority having jurisdiction, but the local authorities having jurisdiction typically rely on the NRTLs.

OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

www.osha.gov

OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program - Current List of NRTLs | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

www.osha.gov

OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program - FAQ | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

www.osha.gov

OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program - Appropriate Test Standards | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

www.osha.gov

 

[JamesW]

To be officially "Listed" the testing laboratory has to be named and they have to be recognized to be qualified to test to standard UL676.

Without the logo of a recognized testing laboratory, I would consider the light to be unlisted.

You can ask FL Sunseeker who the third party is that tested the light.

If the third party was a qualified recognized lab, they would put the logo on the light and the installation manual.

 

[Bwdonohues58]

Thanks all. I will call them again tomorrow.The woman I spoke to was very helpful and she did say that they received my email with the photos. She said that she would give it all to the proper person in charge of this and I really thought they would get back to me. I actually think that these are better quality than the Pentair GloBrite ones. That said, I have 5 lights in the pool with one bad Pentair and one bad Pool Tone. I like the fact that there is only 12 volts that reach the light in the pool water. I really think that this is a manufacturing defect and it doesn’t mean they all are bad. I think the Pentair ones leak and that’s why they don’t last.

 

[Bwdonohues58]

Florida Sunseeker Pool Tone lightsView attachment 465752
So I started out with Pentair GloBrites in my pool and one of them failed in about a year so be I gradually replaced them with the Pooltone ones from FL Sunseeker. All was well for about 1-½ years until last Friday when one started making a popping sound and thick smoke came out unto the power was cut. Very strong electrical smell. I removed it and put one of the old Pentair lights back in . You can see in the photo the black spot in the shaft of the light just where the inside must have burned through. It’s where the smell comes from. I called them and emailed photos but haven’t heard anything back. This one is clearly defective, probably due to a manufacturing error. I’m wondering if any members have had any problems using these lights? LED lights are supposed to last for many years, no? The other lights in the pool were not affected by this and the transformer button tripped but is fine now. View attachment 465753

I just called Florida Sunseeker and spoke with Kory. He hadn’t seen the photos so I sent them over again . He is sending me a new light ASAP. They are very good people

 

[JamesW]

In my opinion, using unlisted lights is a risk, especially if you are selling and installing the lights as a professional service.

The NEC requires “Listed” lights.

Unless FL Sunseeker can provide the name of the qualified testing laboratory, I would not use them.

It’s the same type of liability as not using a GFCI on a 120 volt light when a GFCI is required by code.

If you are not doing everything to local code, which is almost always NEC code, you can be liable for any injuries or damages.