What safety feature is mandatory when installing lighting for swimming pools?

Ground fault protection is a critical safety feature required when installing lighting for swimming pools due to the inherent risks associated with water and electricity. In wet environments like pools, the likelihood of electrical shock increases significantly. Therefore, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are designed to detect any imbalance in electrical current that may indicate leakage or unintended paths to ground, such as through a person who is in contact with the water.

When a ground fault is detected, the GFCI quickly disconnects the power, reducing the risk of severe electrical shock or electrocution. This protective measure is especially important for outdoor lighting and equipment near or in water, making it an essential requirement in the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as local electrical codes in Canada.

Other protective features such as overload protection, surge protection, and short-circuit protection are important for overall electrical safety and equipment protection, but they do not specifically address the unique hazards posed by moisture and water contact that make ground fault protection paramount in swimming pool lighting installations.