Whether you refer to them as cafe lights, bistro lighting, or just string lights, they are excellent for giving any outdoor space a nighttime ambience and a fun mood.
But the real query is: Should you put them anywhere close to your pool? After all, any electrician would tell you that water and electricity should never be combined.
The truth is that as long as you adhere to the minimum clearance requirements, low-voltage (30 volts or less) string lights are safe to use next to swimming pools and spas. We would like to reaffirm that only low-voltage string lights with the IP65 certification are thought to be secure for usage next to a pool.
NEVER place 240 volt string lights over or next to water. Neither should you accept string lights that lack IP65 certification.
Let's now study how to utilise low-voltage string lights securely next to or over your spa or pool.
Minimum Clearance Distances Around a Pool for String Lights
For outdoor lights to be hung over a pool, certain minimum clearance specifications must be satisfied in accordance with Australian regulations.
The normal distance between a spa or pool and a substation is between 15 and 30 metres.
There must be a minimum of 4 metres between the spa or pool and the nearest pool.
The nearest part of the power line must be at least 3.5 metres away from the edge of the spa or pool plus sag and swing. These factors must also be considered because, typically, sag rises in hot temperatures while swing increases in windy conditions.
(Note: This advice is just for residences in Australia. Before putting low-voltage string lights near or over water, make sure to verify the rules in your country, if you live anywhere other than Australia.
Why IP65 string lights Must Always Be Used Near or Over Water?
Understanding IP65 rating is required in order to comprehend why only IP65 certified string lights should be used near or over a pool or spa.
To put it simply, this rating is a number given to electrical equipment to indicate how resistant it is to solids and water.
Electrical goods with an IP rating are secure to use. A gadget offers superior protection the higher its IP rating.
Like IP65, the IP rating is comprised of two numerals. The device's ability to withstand solids is indicated by the first number. The second number, however, indicates how resistant a gadget is to liquids. Therefore, the second value will be 0 if an electrical product solely possesses resistance to solids and not liquids.
While many sellers of IP44 string lights promote them as being suitable for usage near or over water, IP65 certified string lights are actually a superior choice. This is so that IP65 string lights, as opposed to IP44 lights, are more water resistant.
You should never take shortcuts when it comes to the protection of you and your family. Use only IP65-rated string lights next to or above your spa or pool. If you don't have an above- or below-ground pool in your backyard, garden, or porch, IP44 string lights are a suitable alternative.
Why Is Low-Voltage String Lighting Required Only When Used Near or Over Water?
Make sure your string lights are low voltage (30 volts or less), in addition to making sure they are IP65.
If utilised near or over water, 240 volt sting lights carry a substantial danger of electrocution. For this reason, running 240 volts over a spa or pool is a terrible idea. If you have such lights, take them out right away. Put in low-voltage string lights in their stead.
As a result,
If any of the following apply to the area around or above your pool:
They are IP65-certified and low voltage.
You adhere to the distance requirements.
