ITC-BT-31 Electrical Safety Standards for Pools and Fountains

ITC-BT-31: Special Purpose Pool Facilities and Bridges

1. Scope

This JTI outlines the requirements for electrical installations in pools, foot baths, and ornamental fountains.

2. Pools and Foot Baths

2.1. Classification of Volumes

Volumes are defined based on protective measures as follows:

• Zone 0 (IP X8): The area inside containers, including channels on walls or floors, and the interior of foot baths, water injectors, and waterfalls.
• Zone 1 (IP X5-IP X4): Bounded by Zone 0, a vertical plane 2 m from the edge of the container, or a horizontal plane 2.5 m above the ground or surface.
• Zone 2 (IP X2-IP X4-IP X5): Bounded by the vertical plane outside Zone 1, a parallel plane 1.5 m from the surface, and a horizontal plane 2.5 m above.

2.2. Installation Requirements

2.2.1. Pipes

No pipelines are permitted inside the pool in Volume 0. Airlines must not be located above Volumes 0, 1, or 2, or any structure within those volumes.

2.2.2. Junction Boxes

Connection boxes are prohibited in Volumes 0 and 1. Exception: In Volume 1, SELV (Safety Extra-Low Voltage) banks are permitted if they possess an IP X5 protection rating and are insulated. Access requires a tool, and pipe connections must maintain the IP X5 rating.

2.2.3. Luminaires

Underwater lights placed in niches behind watertight peepholes must comply with UNE-EN 60598. They must be installed to prevent intentional or accidental contact between accessible conductive parts of the peephole and metal components of the luminaire.

3. Supplementary Bonding and Protection

3.2. Supplementary Bonding

In Volumes 0 and 1, a local supplementary bonding system must be installed. All accessible conductive parts of significant size—such as metal components and piping systems—must be interconnected by a bonding conductor.

3.3. Protection Against Water Penetration

Electrical equipment must meet minimum water protection levels: Volume 0 (IPX8) and Volume 1 (IPX5).