Pentair IntelliBrite 5G Pool Light Installation
The IntelliBrite 5G is available in both 12 VAC and 120 VAC versions and installs into a standard Pentair wet-niche pool light housing. Both versions share the same physical installation procedure; the difference is in the electrical circuit — the 120 VAC model connects directly to a GFCI-protected circuit, while the 12 VAC model requires a separate step-down transformer (100W or 300W).
⚠ Licensed Electrician Requirement
This underwater light must be installed by a licensed or certified electrician or a qualified pool professional in accordance with the current National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70, or the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), CSA C22.1. Improper installation will create an electrical hazard which could result in death or serious injury to pool users, installers, or others due to electrical shock, and may also cause damage to property. Always disconnect power to the pool light at the circuit breaker before servicing.
⚠ Dimmer Circuit Caution
The IntelliBrite 5G LED pool light cannot be used on a dimmer circuit. Using a dimmer switch will result in permanent damage to the light.
NEC Code Requirements (USA)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 680 governs pool lighting. Before installing the IntelliBrite 5G, the pool's electrical system must meet all of the following requirements:
- GFCI protection: 120 VAC pool/spa lights must be connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) with an appropriately rated circuit breaker. 12 VAC pool/spa lights do not require a GFCI (USA).
- Junction box height: The junction box (or, for 12 VAC models, the low-voltage step-down transformer) shall be located at least 8 in (20.3 cm) above the maximum water line and at least 4 in (10.2 cm) above the ground level or pool deck — whichever provides the greater elevation. The junction box shall be no less than 4 ft (1.22 m) from the inside wall of the pool, unless separated from the pool by a solid fence, wall, or other permanent barrier.
- Lens depth: The wet niche must be installed so the top edge of the underwater light's lens is at least 18 in (45.7 cm) below the surface of the water in the pool.
- Bonding: Bond the niche-fixture housing to all other metallic items within 5 ft (1.53 m) of the pool using a No. 8 AWG bond wire. The bond connection is located at the rear of the niche.
- Non-metallic conduit: If non-metallic conduit is used, a No. 8 AWG bonding/grounding wire must be installed through the conduit from the junction box to the bonding/grounding lug inside the niche. Seal the wire/lug connection with a listed sealant.
- Pilot screw position: The face ring pilot screw must be at the 12 o'clock position.
Always verify requirements with the current NEC edition adopted by your jurisdiction — local amendments may impose stricter requirements.
Niche Compatibility
The IntelliBrite 5G light fixture must only be used with Pentair Water Pool and Spa fixture housings (niches). Installing the IntelliBrite into other niches will void the UL approval and all warranties.
The IntelliBrite 5G is available for both pool and spa applications. For the spa light, see the spa-specific removal and installation instructions in the Pentair manual.
New construction: Install the niche before the pool shell is plastered. The niche is set in the gunite or block wall with the conduit stub-out. Concrete must be cut back to allow for a compacted plaster seal. The light fixture is installed after all electrical requirements are met and the pool is filled.
Junction Box Placement
The junction box connects the light cord (running through conduit from the niche) to the permanent supply wiring from the panel. Per the Pentair manual and NEC Article 680:
- At least 8 in (20.3 cm) above the maximum water line
- At least 4 in (10.2 cm) above the ground level or pool deck (whichever is higher)
- No less than 4 ft (1.22 m) from the inside wall of the pool
- Located and sized to allow at least 6 in (15.3 cm) of cord for making connections
12 VAC Transformer Cable Run Limits
When using multiple IntelliBrite 12 VAC lights on a 300 Watt transformer, do not exceed the cable run limits shown below. For long cable lengths, set the transformer to 14 VAC.
| Transformer | Junction Box | Cable Run Limit | Light Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Watt | Yes | 100 ft (30.5 m) | Multiple pool lights |
| 300 Watt | Yes | 150 ft (45.8 m) max | Spa light |
| 300 Watt | Yes | 200 ft (61 m) max | Pool light |
It is recommended that no more than three IntelliBrite pool lights and one IntelliBrite spa light be used on a single 300 Watt transformer.
Wiring Connections
Connect the three light wires to the corresponding circuit wires in the junction box. Use the same color-coded connections for both 12 VAC and 120 VAC models:
| Wire from Light Cord | Connects To |
|---|---|
| Black | Power (hot) |
| White | Common (neutral) |
| Green | Ground |
120 VAC models: Connect directly to a GFCI-protected circuit. No transformer is required.
12 VAC models: Always use a separate safety isolation transformer (120V to 12V step-down, 100W or 300W) to power the luminary. Do not connect 12 VAC luminaries directly to 120 VAC supply.
Installing the Light Fixture (After Electrical Requirements Are Met)
- Switch off the main electrical switch or circuit breaker, and the switch which operates the IntelliBrite underwater light. Do not service the light while it is in the pool water — service the light on the deck.
- Route the light cable through the conduit to the junction box, leaving at least 4 ft (1.22 m) of cable at the light fixture to coil around the light. This allows the light to be serviced on the deck after the pool is filled with water.
- Cut the cable at the junction box, leaving at least 6 in (15.3 cm) of cord to make connections.
- Strip back 6 in (15.3 cm) of the outer cord jacket to expose the three insulated conductors. Be careful not to damage the insulation on the inner conductors. Strip 1/2 in (1.27 cm) of insulation off each of the three conductors. Be careful not to damage the copper conductor.
- Connect all three conductors to the corresponding circuit wires in the junction box (black to power, white to common, green to ground). Secure the junction box cover.
- Coil at least 4 ft (1.22 m) of cord around the light fixture.
- Install the light assembly into the pool niche. Important: Insert the TAB on the lower part of the face ring into the niche SLOT (located on the lower part of the niche). This secures the lower part of the light assembly onto the niche before tightening the pilot screw.
- Carefully tighten the special bronze (or stainless steel) pilot screw at the 12 o'clock position to secure the upper part of the light assembly onto the niche.
- Fill the pool until the underwater light is completely submerged in water before operating the light.
- Final check: Switch on the main switch or circuit breaker and the switch that operates the IntelliBrite light. The light should illuminate when power is applied. If not, recheck the installation steps.
⚠ Use Only the Provided Pilot Screw
Use only the special bronze or stainless steel pilot screw provided with this underwater light. This screw mounts and electrically grounds the housing securely to the mounting ring and wet niche. Failure to use the provided screw could create an electrical hazard resulting in death or serious injury.
Lens Gasket and Uni-Tension Wire Clamp
Whenever the IntelliBrite light assembly is disassembled, a new lens gasket and a new Uni-Tension Wire Clamp must be installed before reassembly. Failure to replace these components may permit water to leak into the assembly, creating an electrical hazard or causing breakage of the lens.
| Component | Part Number |
|---|---|
| Lens Gasket | P/N 620400Z |
| Uni-Tension Wire Clamp | P/N 600095 |
When reassembling: install the new gasket so that the flat edge faces the inner surface of the face ring, with the embossed "TOP" label upward. The black embedded O-ring must be positioned between the lens and the light housing. Align the lens "W" (wide) or "N" (narrow) mark with the brass nut in the housing and the pilot screw hole at 12 o'clock on the face ring.
Wide and Narrow Angle Lens
The IntelliBrite 5G pool light lens ships from the factory in the Wide (W) angle position. The lens can be rotated to the Narrow (N) position for a different beam pattern:
| Lens Position | Best For | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Wide (W) — default | Lights on the sides of the pool | Wider coverage, greater underwater spread across the width |
| Narrow (N) | Lights at the ends of the pool | Increased light intensity and distance |
GFCI Testing
After installation, test the GFCI by pressing the test button on the breaker — the light should go off. Press reset to restore power. Perform this test during every scheduled service visit.
IntelliBrite 5G Part Numbers
The IntelliBrite 5G Color Pool Light is available in 120 VAC and 12 VAC versions with multiple cord lengths:
| Part Number | Voltage | Cord Length | Listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 601000 | 120V | 30 ft | UL |
| 601001 | 120V | 50 ft | UL |
| 601002 | 120V | 100 ft | UL |
| 601003 | 120V | 150 ft | UL |
| 601004 | 120V | 250 ft | UL |
| 601010 | 12V | 30 ft | UL |
| 601011 | 12V | 50 ft | UL |
| 601012 | 12V | 100 ft | UL |
| 601013 | 12V | 150 ft | UL |
The IntelliBrite 5G White Pool Light uses part numbers in the 601100 series (120V) and 601105–601108 series (12V). Consult the current Pentair product catalog for the full list including CSA-listed models for Canadian installations.