CMI is the recognized leader for pool and spa electrical equipment, grounding and bonding, and now the only DOE Compliant and Certified Single Speed Primary Pool Pump for 1-1/2 to 2 HP replacement. In business since 2002, we offer thousands of products to help pool and spa builders and distributors offer great services and make great profits while doing so.
Equipotential Bonding Products, Solar Pool Heating Panels
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We manufacture our own, high-quality products made right here in the USA, and we also private label products for other OEMs to complete their product offering. With competitive pricing, a high level of finished goods inventory, and state of the art EDI order fulfilment, we ship same or next day so you can keep your inventory low.
Equipotential Bonding
NEWS ALERT – 2023 NEC® updated to require bonding grids to protect pool decks (See Below)
Equipotential bonding is our specialty. Since stray and contact voltage can exist all over America, it is vital to protect your clients when building a pool. An improperly bonded pool and deck can not only place swimmers at risk of shock or death, but create significant legal liability for the contractor.
Bonding vs Grounding:
Bonding simply put, is the process of connecting metal components together with a metal/electrical connection.
Grounding simply put, is the process of connecting metal components (electrical circuit or device) to the earth with a metal/electrical connection.
As it relates to pools, by Bonding all metal components together, it minimizes shock due to un-bonded equipment, but exposes the entire pool system to whatever elevated voltages may be on the utility system neutral, because the National Electrical Code® requires this all to be tied back to the Breaker Panel. Ie., we eliminate static voltage, but expose the pool system to the utility neutral.
Therefore, if there are faults from a homeowner’s circuit due to various possibilities like a water heater, etc, the utility system, or someone nicking/cutting an underground cable, then the pool system will now be at the elevated potential (voltage) because the pool system connects to the utility company’s neutral power line. However, this is ok, because everything on the system is at the same potential (voltage) so a swimmer standing on that equipotential plane creates no path to cause a current flow. Much like an airplane that gets struck by lightning or a bird on a high voltage wire. BUT, once a swimmer steps off the equipotential plane onto the earth/area that is at a different potential (voltage), this creates a path where a current will flow. Depending on the potential (voltage) difference, the current may only be enough to cause slight pain, or it may be enough to cause fibrillation and even be fatal.
The 2023 National Electrical Code® has been revised with TIA 1687 and now requires proper equipotential bonding for the pool shell and the deck.
The 2023 National Electrical Code® was amended to require proper equipotential bonding for both the pool shell and now, the deck. TIA 1687 provides three methods for creating a proper equipotential grid in the perimeter surface of the pool.
1. Use minimum #3 rebar tied in a 12” x 12” grid, chaired to be fully embedded in the paving.
2. Use minimum ASTM 6×6-W2.0 x W2.0 welded wire sheet, chaired to be fully embedded in the paving.
3. Use minimum # 8 solid bare copper wire grid, welded in a 12” x 12” grid. Embedding not required, can be installed on or in the earth or paving.
NOTE: if rebar or welded wire sheet can not be fully embedding in the paving, then it must be Listed for corrosion resistance, such as Stainless Steel or Copper. Copper grids can be placed on or in the dirt or concrete, as it meets the UL 467 Standard of 80% or greater copper content for Direct Burial in Earth and Concrete.
The 2023 National Electrical Code ® can be purchased or viewed at no charge by signing up for a free account, at NFPA.org, “Codes and Standards”, List of NFPA Codes and Standards”, scroll down and select “NFPA 70 ®”, “Free Access”, “VIEW” (select 2023 National Electrical Code”, and sign up for an account. You can purchase the book and have greater access on the website as well, but it is available for everyone to view.
If you are a pool builder, give your clients the best chance at protection with equipotential bonding and grounding solutions from CMI.
If you are a pool owner, demand the contractor constructs the pool system with proper equipotential bonding. CMI representatives will be glad to assist you or them.
Spas
CMI also offers stunning, high-quality spas at affordable prices. In fact, our poured in place spas cost less than traditional concrete spas, take less time to build, and last longer, too! There are five different shapes and sizes, seating between four and ten persons.
We work with spa builders & contractors around the country to help you offer the luxurious spas your clients want, at a price that makes them happy. The spas are 3’3” deep, with a seat height of 1’10”. There are a set number of components for each spa, but we’ll be happy to help you add in additional jets or lights to customize it for your client. We have many types of spas available, look at our digital catalog and reach out if you have questions or need help making a selection!
With more than 15 years in business, we are proud to offer American-made products that are innovative and designed to meet your needs as a pool builder or distributor.