Section I. INSTALLING A JUNCTION BOX DURING NEW POOL CONSTRUCTION.
A. THE FOLLOWING PREPARATORY STEPS MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN
BEFORE LIGHT IS INSTALLED - SEE FIGURE 1.
1. Ensure that the electrical system of your pool conforms with all requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC),
and all local codes and ordinances. A licensed or certified electrician must install the electrical system to meet or
exceed those requirements before the Junction Box is installed. Some of the NEC requirements are listed below.
a. 120 VAC pool/spa lights must be connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), with an
appropriately rated circuit breaker. See Figure 1. For Canada, 120 and 12 VAC lights must have a Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), and have an appropriately rated circuit breaker.
b. The Junction Box (or 12 volt light models, the low voltage transformer) must be located at least 8 in (20.32
cm) above the maximum water level and at least 4 in (10.2 cm) above the ground level or pool deck which-
ever provides the greater elevation. The junction box shall be no less than 4 ft (1.22 m) from the inside wall
of the pool, unless separated from the pool by a solid fence, wall or other permanent barrier. See Figure 1.
The Junction Box should also be located at least 48 in (122 cm) minimum (3 m (10 ft.) Canada) from the
edge of the pool, see Figure 1.
c. The light fixture and all metal items within 5 ft. (153 cm) minimum of the pool must be properly electrically
bonded.
d. Bond the niche-fixture housing to all other metallic items within 5 ft (1.53 m) of the pool, using a No. 8 AWG
bond wire. The Bond connection is located at the rear of the niche, see Figure 1.
e. The wet niche is properly installed so the top edge of the underwater light's lens is at least 18 in
(45.7 cm) - (CANADA: 600 mm max to the centerline of the lens), below the surface of the water in the pool,
see Figure 1. Also, the face ring PILOT SCREW must be at the 12 o'clock position.
f.
If non-metallic conduit is used, a No. 8 AWG bonding/grounding wire must be installed through the conduit
from the Junction Box to the bonding/grounding lug inside the niche. Seal the wire/lug connection with a
listed sealant to protect the connection from possible pool water corrosion. See Figure 1. Note: Use only
Pentair wet niches to insure proper bonding and grounding connections.
2. To be certain that the pool's electrical system meets all applicable requirements, the electrician should
also consult the local building department.
3. Position Junction Box to meet National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements and to prevent hazard to personnel.
4. The center conduit hub is provided with a strain relief for a cord size up to a 10/3 AWG cord. Use underwater lights
with water resistant cord only.
5. Three equipment grounding terminals are provided for internal grounding suitable for #16 AWG to #10 AWG wire.
One pressure wire grounding terminal is provided for a #8 AWG insulated copper bonding wire.
6. Install the Junction Box gasket between the Junction Box base and cover. Replace gasket if worn or damaged (P/N
79300600).
7. Plug any unused conduit hubs with the conduit plugs provided.
To GFCI, Circuit
Breaker and
Power Source. .
Rigid
Conduit
#8 AWG Ground
Connector bonded
to rebar. .
Figure 1.
P/N 98743900 Rev. E 7/2012
(122 cm) min.
(122 cm) min.
4" (10.2 cm) min.
4" (10.2 cm) min.
Coil 4 (four) feet of light
cable around fixture. .
48" min.
48" min.
JUNCTION BOX
2
8" min. (20.3 cm) from
bottom of Junction Box or Low
Voltage Transformer to the max.
water level of pool.
18" (42.72 cm ) min. from Water
Line to top of lens.
Pilot Screw at Top.