No Bonding Wires at Equipment Pad

[nrobfd_pl]

As I've been learning at my new to me pool and looking into its equipment, I've noticed that my equipment (currently a pump, nature2 system, and sand filter) lacks bonding wires. It was built in Fall 2005 if that makes a difference.

Looking to install some new equipment this Spring (pump, SWG, heater). How much of an issue is this?

 

[JamesW]

Pictures?

 

[nrobfd_pl]

 

[nrobfd_pl]

View attachment 473170

Unless the bonding wire is inside the conduit that runs back to the box, it's not there.

 

[JamesW]

I would dig around in the dirt around the pad to see if a bond wire can be found.

Maybe use a metal detector.

Do you have a better picture and some from different angles?

 

[JamesW]

How much of an issue is this?

A bonding grid is required by the NEC, so we can't say that it is not necessary.

 

[ajw22]

Bonding the equipment together is of little value if not bonded to the water, pool structure, and any deck.

A vinyl liner pool needs a water bond that may be provided by some types of lights.

Taking the Mystery Out of Equipotential Bonding Requirements for Swimming Poolsis a good primer to understand equipotential bonding in pools.

A good reference is from Mike Holt Enterprises on Article 680—Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations.

 

[nrobfd_pl]

Bonding the equipment together is of little value if not bonded to the water, pool structure, and any deck.

A vinyl liner pool needs a water bond that may be provided by some types of lights.

Taking the Mystery Out of Equipotential Bonding Requirements for Swimming Poolsis a good primer to understand equipotential bonding in pools.

A good reference is from Mike Holt Enterprises on Article 680—Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations.

It originally had a light but that was removed when the previous owners had it re-lined this past summer.

Was this part of electrical code when the pool was built (2005). It’s kind of like the Wild West with code enforcement around these parts.

 

[nrobfd_pl]

After some investigation, the conduit in the middle with the red arrow is open at the bottom and has a thick copper wire that runs out of it and to the left in the ground.

I'm guessing that would be the bonding wire? How would I go about testing whether that's the case?

 

[JamesW]

Do you have a better picture and some from different angles?

Do you have a picture of the pool?

 

[nrobfd_pl]

Do you have a picture of the pool?

 

[ajw22]

Yes, bonding a pool was NEC code in 2005.

 

[JamesW]

Check for continuity between the bond wire and the rails.

 

[ajw22]

View attachment 473177
After some investigation, the conduit in the middle with the red arrow is open at the bottom and has a thick copper wire that runs out of it and to the left in the ground.

I'm guessing that would be the bonding wire? How would I go about testing whether that's the case?

A bond wire benefits from running along or buried in the ground. Bond wires are not run in conduit.

 

[JamesW]

Can you show the wire?

Is it a #8 solid bare copper?

Can you show the wire where it is connected in the subpanel?

Are the rails stainless steel or polymer?

 

[nrobfd_pl]

A bond wire benefits from running along or buried in the ground. Bond wires are not run in conduit.

It’s not in conduit in the ground, just where it runs down the foundation from the box

 

[JamesW]

What is the date on this sticker?

Does the pump bond lug look like it has ever been used?

 

[nrobfd_pl]

Can you show the wire?

Is it a #8 solid bare copper?

Can you show the wire where it is connected in the subpanel?

Are the rails stainless steel or polymer?

I can get a picture of the wire and in the subpanel tomorrow.

By rails, do you mean for the cover or the ladder/steps. The cover track is aluminum. The hand rails are metal (I assume stainless).

 

[JamesW]

The handrails should be bonded, so you should get good continuity between the rails and the bare copper #8 wire at the pad.

 

[nrobfd_pl]

What is the date on this sticker?

Does the pump bond lug look like it has ever been used?

View attachment 473226

07/03/2014

And, this would appear to be the bond lug and it looks new and unused to me: