Bryan Holland
Silver Member
Hello Everyone,
An important change has been made to UL676 Standard for Underwater Luminaires. In short, the term “salt water” will be changed to “sea water” in reference to product markings and when determining suitability of use for underwater luminaires. The change also stipulates that pools treated with salt for chlorine generation are still considered fresh water.
Inspectors across the nation have not been approving underwater luminaires marked for “fresh water” when used in salt water pools and have required luminaires marked for “salt water” when chlorine generators are to be installed. This change should eliminate this issue. The electrical resistivity of salt water pools are well within the thresholds of “fresh water” luminaires. Only true “sea water” has a salt content and electrical resistivity to warrant the specially marked luminaire.
For reference, water with a resistivity of 89 ohm-cm or higher (6000 ppm or less) is FRESH WATER. Water with a resistivity of 22 ohm-cm as found in the open sea and in therapeutic pools and spas is SEA WATER.
Also be aware that many manufacturers test and list their products for both locations and are marked as such.
An important change has been made to UL676 Standard for Underwater Luminaires. In short, the term “salt water” will be changed to “sea water” in reference to product markings and when determining suitability of use for underwater luminaires. The change also stipulates that pools treated with salt for chlorine generation are still considered fresh water.
Inspectors across the nation have not been approving underwater luminaires marked for “fresh water” when used in salt water pools and have required luminaires marked for “salt water” when chlorine generators are to be installed. This change should eliminate this issue. The electrical resistivity of salt water pools are well within the thresholds of “fresh water” luminaires. Only true “sea water” has a salt content and electrical resistivity to warrant the specially marked luminaire.
For reference, water with a resistivity of 89 ohm-cm or higher (6000 ppm or less) is FRESH WATER. Water with a resistivity of 22 ohm-cm as found in the open sea and in therapeutic pools and spas is SEA WATER.
Also be aware that many manufacturers test and list their products for both locations and are marked as such.
