Last minute consultation saves UV-treated swimming pools

Potential disaster for the UV sector  was recently averted thanks to quick action by a standard working committee, resolving a wording issue in  the recently adopted UV appliance standard.

At issue was the wording of standard AS/NZS 60335.2.109 for household electrical appliances including UV units which became mandatory on March 1, 2013.

This standard specifically relates to UV radiation water treatment appliances, and UV units for pools and spas must now comply with it, rather than the general standard of AS/NZS3136 for pool/spa related electrical equipment.

CSN Global handles Trident UV systems and they became worried about the wording of part of the standard, as it had the potential to cripple the UV industry.

At issue was the wording that said “UV radiation water treatment appliances for use in swimming pools, when persons are in the pool, shall be class III with a rated voltage not exceeding 12V.”

The standard was taken directly from a European standard, but the confusing wording could be interpreted as meaning all UV systems have to be low voltage with Class III insulation – something that would be extremely difficult to achieve – if possible at all.

It was suggested that perhaps there was confusion between UV sterilisers for swimming pools, and the smaller submersible units used in aquaria. Swimming pool UV units are not submerged in the pool water, but are located in the plant room or pool equipment area, and have water pass through the unit in a similar way that it passes through other devices, such as heat pumps. The electrical components do not come in contact with the water.

Fortunately, following consultation with industry representatives, the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) Equipment Working Group quickly held a teleconference and discussed the issue – in particular the wording in clause 6 where it states “…for use in swimming pools, when persons are in the pool.”

The outcome of these discussions was that if the UV steriliser (240V) was designed in such a way that it is not in the swimming pool, but instead in the pipework of the pool, this equipment would be within the regulators understanding of the standard.

The situation remains that if the steriliser is used in the main swimming pool it would need to be Class III 12V.

So, if the steriliser is clearly marked/has instructions to confirm it is not installed in the main swimming pool water, regulators would accept a report where the steriliser has been tested to AS/NZS60335.2.109 and classified as other than Class III 12V.

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