We're in the midst of a full face-lift on our ~18 year old pool, and we're changing to 12V lighting as part of that. The two lights in the pool are fairly close to each other, and their wires are run (in separate conduits) to a junction box nearby on the back wall of the house. Also in that junction box is the 120V feed from the pool control panel, where it is switched by a relay. This all seems normal so far - right?
Here's what has me confused: when they were digging below that junction box, I noticed that the 3rd conduit (with the switched 120V power supply) is actually running off in the same angled direction as the two light conduits - ie. directly toward the pool - instead of in the direction of the pool control panel which is in the (almost) opposite direction.
I can't figure out why in the world it would be going in the direction of the pool... hoping some of you knowledgeable folks my have an idea.
My best theory: the electrical subcontractor saw an opportunity to use an existing trench (for water pipe) and decided to route toward that and make a pretty sharp turn to run back toward the panel. The problem with this theory is that sharp and extra turns aren't so good for pulling wire through conduit.
In case it helps to explain: this isn't just idle curiosity... I would like to solve this mystery because part of the pool remodel involves pouring concrete over a small natural / soil area next to the pool, where the two lights are located. I'm concerned that there may be some other "thing" going on with the wiring that we should at least know about before we bury it in concrete.
Thank you in advance!
Here's what has me confused: when they were digging below that junction box, I noticed that the 3rd conduit (with the switched 120V power supply) is actually running off in the same angled direction as the two light conduits - ie. directly toward the pool - instead of in the direction of the pool control panel which is in the (almost) opposite direction.
I can't figure out why in the world it would be going in the direction of the pool... hoping some of you knowledgeable folks my have an idea.
My best theory: the electrical subcontractor saw an opportunity to use an existing trench (for water pipe) and decided to route toward that and make a pretty sharp turn to run back toward the panel. The problem with this theory is that sharp and extra turns aren't so good for pulling wire through conduit.
In case it helps to explain: this isn't just idle curiosity... I would like to solve this mystery because part of the pool remodel involves pouring concrete over a small natural / soil area next to the pool, where the two lights are located. I'm concerned that there may be some other "thing" going on with the wiring that we should at least know about before we bury it in concrete.
Thank you in advance!
