Installation & Electrical Safety Policy

Applies to: ReefCore Controllers, power units, PoE equipment, sensor nodes, probes, cables and accessories

1. Purpose

This policy provides general installation and electrical-safety requirements for ReefCore Controllers, TerraAqua Power Units, PoE switches, sensor nodes, probes, cables and official accessories.

2. Read the instructions

Read the product documentation before installation, connection, maintenance or use. Do not install or energise equipment if instructions are missing, unclear or inconsistent with the intended installation.

3. Competence

Installation must be completed by a person competent to perform the work safely. Fixed wiring, mains-voltage work and work requiring regulatory certification must be carried out by an appropriately qualified person where required by law.

4. Power supplies

Use only power supplies, PoE equipment and voltage ranges approved or specified by TerraAqua for the relevant product. Incorrect voltage, polarity, current capacity or PoE standard may damage equipment and create a safety risk.

5. Mains electricity

Do not open, modify or repair mains-powered equipment unless authorised and appropriately qualified. Disconnect power before installation, inspection or maintenance where safe to do so.

6. Residual-current protection

Aquarium equipment should be supplied through suitable residual-current protection and correctly rated protective devices in accordance with local electrical requirements. Test protective devices at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

7. Drip loops

Arrange power and communication cables with drip loops so that water cannot travel along a cable into a plug, socket, controller, power supply, switch or other electrical equipment.

8. Equipment location

Unless specifically rated and documented for wet use, install controllers, power units, PoE switches, connectors and power supplies in a dry, ventilated location protected from splashing, condensation, salt spray and accidental immersion.

9. Ventilation and heat

Do not block ventilation openings or install equipment next to excessive heat sources. Maintain the clearances stated in product documentation.

10. Enclosures and ingress protection

Do not assume that an enclosure is waterproof. Observe the stated ingress-protection rating, orientation and sealing requirements. Water damage caused by installation outside the rated conditions may not be covered by warranty.

11. PoE equipment

Use standards-compliant PoE equipment with suitable voltage, power budget and port configuration. Do not connect proprietary passive PoE supplies unless TerraAqua has expressly confirmed compatibility.

12. Ethernet and sensor cabling

Use cables suitable for the installation environment. Protect cables from sharp edges, crushing, heat, movement, saltwater and tensile strain. Do not exceed supported cable lengths.

13. Probes and sensor nodes

Install probes only within their specified temperature, pressure, chemical and immersion limits. Secure probe cables and connectors to prevent strain. Do not submerge a sensor node or connector unless it is specifically rated for that use.

14. Separation from mains wiring

Maintain appropriate separation between low-voltage data or sensor wiring and mains wiring. Do not route cables in a way that creates electrical interference, insulation damage or unsafe contact.

15. Mounting

Mount equipment securely on a stable surface using suitable fixings. Consider the weight of connected cables and the risk of vibration, impact or accidental pulling.

16. Inspection before energising

Before applying power, check:

• the correct supply and polarity;
• all plugs and terminals are fully seated;
• there are no loose strands or exposed conductors;
• cables are not damaged or trapped;
• the equipment is dry;
• ventilation is unobstructed; and
• the installation matches the documentation.

17. Damaged or wet equipment

Do not energise equipment that is damaged, wet, corroded, overheating, producing unusual smells or showing signs of electrical failure. Isolate power safely and contact TerraAqua.

18. Maintenance

Inspect cables, connectors, power supplies and mounting points regularly. Remove salt deposits and contamination using only methods approved for the product. Disconnect power before cleaning where required.

19. Firmware and configuration

Install important firmware updates and verify alarm limits, output behaviour and connected-equipment settings after installation or update. Software alarms do not replace physical inspection and suitable independent safeguards.

20. Backup and emergency arrangements

Customers are responsible for appropriate contingency measures, including manual monitoring, spare equipment, independent temperature or water-level protection where necessary, and a plan for power, pump or network failure.

21. Modification

Do not drill, alter, rewire or modify TerraAqua equipment unless the modification is documented or expressly approved. Unauthorised modification may create safety risks and may affect warranty or support.

22. Compliance

The installer and owner are responsible for ensuring that the completed installation complies with applicable electrical, building, fire, workplace and environmental requirements.

23. Responsibility for livestock

ReefCore assists monitoring and automation but cannot guarantee livestock safety. The aquarium owner remains responsible for water quality, livestock welfare, maintenance and emergency intervention.

24. Contact

Installation and safety questions may be sent to info@terra-aqua.co.uk.

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