engineer certification

🛠️ Why Electrical Bonding Around Pools Is Critical — And What the Code Requires When it comes to backyard pools, safety doesn’t stop with fencing and slip-resistant decks. One of the most critical life-safety measures—and often the least understood—is electrical bonding. Whether you’re building a new pool, adding a lanai, or pouring footings near an existing shell, failing to properly bond nearby metal components can result in dangerous voltage differences, putting swimmers and contractors at risk of electric shock. Let’s break down why bonding matters, where it’s required, and what the Florida Building Code (FBC) and National Electrical Code (NEC) say about it. ⚡ What Is Equipotential Bonding? Equipotential bonding ensures that all conductive components near a pool—whether they carry electricity or not—are electrically connected together. The goal is to equalize voltage potential so that people in contact with water and nearby metal do not become part of a circuit. 📍 Where Is Bonding Required? Per the Florida Building Code Residential (FBC-R 2023, 8th Edition) and NEC 2020, Section 680.26, bonding is required for the following: 🔗 1. Pool Reinforcement Steel and Shells Code Reference: FBC-R E4204.2 / NEC 680.26(B)(1)Rebar in concrete shells must be bonded together with tie wire or a copper grid. Shells made of cast-in-place or sprayed concrete are considered conductive. 🧱 2. Perimeter Surfaces Code Reference: FBC-R E4204.2 / NEC 680.26(B)(2)Any surface within 3 feet horizontally from the pool wall, and between 3 feet above and 2 feet below the water level, must be bonded. This includes: 🔧 These surfaces must connect to the pool bonding grid at a minimum of four (4) points, or continuously around the perimeter. 🏗️ 3. Fixed Metal Components Within 5 Feet Code Reference: NEC 680.26(B)(7)Any fixed metal part within 5 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically of the pool water must be bonded. This includes: Even if these items aren’t part of the pool system, their proximity makes them dangerous without bonding. 💡 4. Electrical Equipment Code Reference: NEC 680.26(B)(6)Bonding is required for: 🧰 How Is Bonding Installed? All bonded parts must be connected using: ✅ Field Note: Bonding for Column Footings Near Pools At Oasis Engineering, we often inspect lanai columns or structural footings poured within 5 feet of a pool. These must include a bonded rebar or anchor point tied into the equipotential system—even if not part of the pool structure. We provide engineering letters per FBC Section 110 to support after-the-fact inspection approval when needed. 🚨 Why It Matters Failing to bond properly can result in: 📜 Key Code References 🧠 Final Word Electrical bonding isn’t just about code compliance—it’s about protecting lives. Whether you’re a builder, homeowner, or inspector, make sure bonding is part of your pool project from day one. Need an engineering letter or field inspection for a poured footing near a pool? We can help.📞 Contact us today or book a virtual consult. Want to learn more? Refer to this equipotential bonding diagram on UpCodes, which helps visualize bonding locations around a swimming pool per FBC R4501.17 / NEC 680.26.

Can You Skip Permits with an Engineer’s Affidavit in St. Pete? Here’s the Truth. After a hurricane or flood, dealing with home repairs in St. Petersburg can be stressful. You may have come across advice—sometimes from AI tools like ChatGPT—that says you can “skip permits” by hiring a licensed engineer to complete an affidavit inspection report. But that’s NOT how the process really works. Let’s set the record straight. Understanding St. Pete’s Post-Disaster Expedited Permitting (PDEP) The City of St. Petersburg created the PDEP program to help homeowners resolve unpermitted storm repairs efficiently. But “efficient” doesn’t mean “permit-free.” If you repaired your home after a storm without pulling permits for items like: …then the City requires you to resolve this before selling your home or finalizing insurance claims. Your Two Options — But Read the Fine Print Option 1: Hire a General Contractor (GC)✔ GC pulls after-the-fact permits✔ GC coordinates inspections — may involve opening up walls or finished areas✔ Typical timeline: 4–8 weeks or more Option 2: Hire a Licensed Engineer for an Affidavit Inspection Report✔ Engineer inspects finished work and prepares a sealed report✔ BUT — This report must be tied to an active, issued permit✔ Without a valid permit number, the City cannot accept the affidavit Common Misconception: “Affidavit = No Permits Needed” We’ve seen this confusion firsthand—some homeowners are told (even by AI summaries) that hiring an engineer eliminates the need for permits. Unfortunately, that’s inaccurate and can delay your project. You still need: Once permits are active, a licensed engineer can:✔ Inspect finished work✔ Prepare the Affidavit✔ Submit the report referencing the correct permit How to Avoid Delays Here’s the recommended process: Skipping steps may result in rejection, more delays, or compliance issues. Final Word: Be Cautious with AI Summaries AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful, but they don’t always reflect your city’s current building code or permitting requirements. Always double-check with a licensed professional before making decisions. If you’re facing a PDEP situation in St. Pete and need expert guidance:✅ Oasis Engineering can assist with engineering affidavits.✅ We recommend trusted permit expediters to streamline the process of obtaining the permit itself. Let’s keep your home compliant, safe, and ready for sale — the right way.