Pentair COLORCASCADE User Manual

®

Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

COLORCASCADE® UNDERWATER COLOR
CHANGING LED LIGHT

FOR POOL AND SPA

INSTALLATION

AND

USER’S GUIDE

COLORCASCADE® Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide COLORCASCADE

Technical Support

Phone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]

Web sites: www.pentairpool.com and www.staritepool.com:

Contents

IMPORTANT WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................ i

Overview ......................................................................................................... 1

Operating ColorCascade Lights Using A Wall Switch ...................................... 3

Operating ColorCascade Lights In Standard Mode ......................................... 5

Selecting a ColorCascade Light Show Mode or Fixed Color

Using an IntelliBrite Controller ........................................................................ 6

Installing ColorCascade Light Fixture (new pool construction) ....................... 7

Installing ColorCascade Light Fixture

(after electrical requirements are met) ............................................................ 7

Replacing ColorCascade Light Assembly (in an existing pool and spa) .......... 10

Replacing ColorCascade Light Assembly

(after electrical requirements are met) .............................................................. 11

Connecting ColorCascade Lights to the Automation Control System .............. 12

Setting Up ColorCascade Lights with the Automation Control System ............ 14

Connecting ColorCascade Lights to an IntelliBrite Controller ......................... 17

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 18

APPENDIX:

Accessories Bag Assembly Instructions .......................................................... 20

ColorCascade Light Extended Nozzle Installation Instructions ........................ 21

ColorCascade Light Replacement Parts .......................................................... 22

READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.

P/N 512280 Rev A - 12/1712

LISTED
E344048

®

Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide

Most states and local codes regulate the construction, installation,
and operation of public pools and spas, and the construction of
residential pools and spas. It is important to comply with these codes, many of which
directly regulate the installation and use of this product. Consult your local building and
health codes for more information.

SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH CAN RESULT IF THIS LIGHT
IS NOT INSTALLED AND USED CORRECTLY.

INSTALLERS, POOL OPERATORS AND POOL OWNERS MUST
READ THESE WARNINGS AND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE US­ING THE POOL AND/OR SPA LIGHT.

Before installing this product, read and follow all warning notices

and instructions in this Guide. Failure to follow warnings and
instructions can result in severe injury, death, or property damage.
Call [phone] for additional free copies of these instructions. Please refer to www.
pentairpool.com for more information related to this products.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Attention Installer: This Installation and User’s

Guide (“Guide”) contains important information about the installation, operation
and safe use of this underwater pool and spa light. This Guide should be given
to the owner and/or operator of this equipment.

IMPORTANT WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE WORKING ON THIS DEVICE! Always disconnect
power to the pool and/or spa lights at the source circuit
breaker from the light before servicing the light. Failure to do
so could result in death or serious injury to service person,
pool users or others due to electric shock. When installing
and using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions
should always be followed, include the following:

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR ELECTROCUTION:

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. All applicable
local installation codes and ordinances must also be adhered to. 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 power source. Always disconnect the power to the pool light at the
circuit breaker before servicing the light. Failure to do so could result in death or
serious injury to serviceman, pool users or others due to electrical shock.

THE COLORCASCADE® LIGHT REQUIRES HIGH VOLTAGE
WHICH CAN SHOCK, BURN, OR CAUSE DEATH.

For countries in compliance with International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) regulatory standards: The light fixture must

be installed by a licensed or certified electrician or a qualified pool service person, in
accordance with IEC 364-7-702 and all applicable local codes and ordinance. Improper
installation will create an electrical hazard, which could result in death or serious injury
to pool user, installer or other due to electrical shock and may also cause damage to the
property.

i

COLORCASCADE® Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide COLORCASCADE

IMPORTANT WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE: The external flexible cable or cord of this luminaire cannot be replaced; if
the cord is damaged, the luminaire shall be destroyed.

Risk of Electrical Shock. Connect only to a branch circuit

protected by a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI). Contact a qualified
electrician if you cannot verify that the circuit is protected by a GFCI. This

light must be connected only to a supply circuit that is protected by a ground-fault circuit­interrupter (GFCI). Such a GFCI should be provided by the installer and should be tested
on a routine basis. To test the GFCI, push the test button. The GFCI should interrupt
power. Push the reset button. Power should be restored. If the GFCI fails to operate in this
manner, the GFCI is defective. If the GFCI interrupts power to the light without the test
button being pushed, a ground current is following, indicating the possibility of an electric
shock. Do not use this light. Disconnect the light and have the problem corrected by a
qualified service representative before using. Locate your pool so that the wall is at least
10 feet from all electrical receptacles and at least 20 feet from all receptacles not protected
by a GFCI. It is also very important to locate the pool so that it is not under any electrical
wiring, that is less than 18 feet vertically above the pool wall and within an area located 10
feet outside the pool walls. The pool must also never be located under any lighting fixture
or within five (5) feet measured horizontally from any fixture mounted less than five (5) feet
vertically above the pool water level.

ColorCascade® Light is a 12 VAC system. ONLY USE an approved
12 volt AC transformer, sold separately. When using a Junction Box, connect
12 volt AC connections to junction box terminals. Never connect the light directly
to high voltage lines.

Under no circumstances replace lights by splicing wire under water or
behind niche.

INSTALLERS AND INSPECTORS: THE COLORCASCADE LIGHT AND PLASTIC
NICHE FORM A COMPLETE NON-METALLIC LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING SYSTEM.
THIS CONFIGURATION DOES NOT REQUIRE BONDING OR GROUNDING WHEN
POWERED BY A LISTED 100 WATT OR 300 WATT 12 VAC TRANSFORMER AND
INSTALLED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CURRENT NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE
(NEC). UNBONDED LIGHTING NEC PROVISIONS.

WHEN THE UL LISTED NON-METALLIC COLORCASCADE LIGHT LOW VOLTAGE
LIGHTS ARE USED WITH THE LIGHT APPROVED NICHE, THE CURRENT NEC
PROVIDES AN EXCEPTION TO LUMINAIRE BONDING AND GROUNDING IN
ARTICLE 680.6 AND 680.23 POOL WATER BONDING NEC PROVISIONS: FOR POOL
WATER BONDING REQUIRED BY NEC ARTICLE 680.26C, CONCRETE POOLS ARE
CONSIDERED CONDUCTIVE (REFER TO 680.26 (B)(1) DUE TO THE POROSITY
OF CONCRETE AND THE BONDING OF REBAR. NO ADDITIONAL BONDING IS
REQUIRED.

ii

®

Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide

ColorCascade® Color LED Pool and Spa Light Overview

This manual describes how to install and replace the ColorCascade® Color LED Light.
The ColorCascade light provides brilliant vivid multi-colors along with spectacular lighting
and underwater “bubbling” effects for your pool and spa. The energy efficient colored array
utilizes IntelliBrite® Color LED Light technology and can cycle through colors at varying
speeds and in different sequences of colors. Choose one of the seven pre-programmed
color light shows or select one of the five fixed colors to create virtually endless range of
dramatic underwater lighting effects for a spectacular effect in your pool and spa.

If multiple LED lighting are being used, it is recommended that these lights be run
independent of each other, using a separate transformer for each group or type of light.
Otherwise all lights connected to the same transformer will be working together.

The ColorCascade light can be controlled using a standard wall-mount light switch.
Multiple ColorCascade lights can be connected via a junction box to a single switch so that
all lights can be switched on and off together. The lights are controlled by cycling the AC
power to the 12 VAC power supply and from there to the lights from a standard wall switch.
By turning the switch OFF and ON a specific number of times, the light activates one of
the three light show modes or locks a chosen color.

1

Operating Modes (Standard and IntelliBrite)

Operating ColorCascade Lights Using a Wall Switch

There are two operating settings within the ColorCascade light, Standard Mode and
IntelliBrite Mode. The default factory setting is IntelliBrite Mode. Use the Standard Mode
setting if you wish to operate the bubbler differently than your other pool lights to make the
water feature stand out and contrast. If there is a ColorCascade light model installed in
your pool or spa that does not support the IntelliBrite Mode feature, you will need to reset
the ColorCascade light to Standard Mode to match the existing set up, see page 5. To
access the Standard Mode setting, you must cycle the power to the ColorCascade light
with 16 off/on sequences. To return to the IntelliBrite Mode setting, cycle the power 17
off/on sequences.

ColorCascade lights can also be automatically controlled via Pentair IntelliTouch® and
EasyTouch® Control Systems, utilizing the IntelliBrite “Circuit Function”. For more
information refer to the IntelliTouch Control System User’s Guide (P/N 521075),
EasyTouch Control System User’s Guide (P/N 521044).
For more information, see page 14.

Operating ColorCascade Lights Using Automation Control System

COLORCASCADE® Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide COLORCASCADE

2

Using an External Transformer for Multiple ColorCascade® Lights

When using multiple ColorCascade 12 VAC lights on a 100 Watt transformer, it is
recommended that no more than four (4) ColorCascade lights be used. It is also
recommended not to exceed 100 feet of total cable run between the transformer and lights.
Note: For long cable lengths, set transformer to 14 VAC, and use only ColorCascade lights
with the 150” cord option, see diagram below.

Note: If a longer cable
run is necessary, it is
recommended that
separate 100 Watt 12 VAC
transformers be used for
each light with no more
than 100 feet of total
cable run between the

transformer and lights.

Maximum wattage when using multiple ColorCascade and
IntelliBrite® Color LED lights (using a 300 Watt Transformer)

IMPORTANT! When using multiple 12 VAC ColorCascade Light, IntelliBrite Light and

IntelliBrite Landscape Lights, the total allowable light wattage is 300 Watts maximum. The
ColorCascade and IntelliBrite light wattages are as follows:

• OneColorCascadelightis16Wattsmaximum

• OneGloBrite® Light is 23 Watts maximum

• OneIntelliBritePoolLightis30Wattsmaximum

• OneIntelliBriteSpaLightis18Wattsmaximum

• OneIntelliBriteLandscapelightis15Wattsmaximum

• OneMagicStream® Laminar is 16 Watts maximum

J Box

12 Gauge

(Minimum)

100 ft.

100 Watt

Transformer

®

Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide

Selecting a ColorCascade light show mode or fixed color using
a Wall Switch

ColorCascade lights are compatible with IntelliBrite light colors and shows and can be
synchronized with IntelliBrite® lights. First switch power on to the light; the previously
selected color is displayed, unless the HOLD or RECALL feature was previously enabled..
To select a color show mode (1-7) or fixed color (8-12), turn the wall switch Off/On a
specific number of times. Each number (1-17) shown below corresponds to the number
of times to power-cycle the switch to activate a color light show or fixed color. For details
about saving color effects while in Show modes, see “Hold” and “Recall” feature on page 6.

1 SAm Mode: Cycles through white, magenta, blue and green colors

(emulates the Pentair SAm® Color Light).

2 Party Mode: Rapid color changing building energy and excitement.
3 Romance Mode: Slow color transitions creating a mesmerizing and

calming effect.

4 Caribbean Mode: Transitions between a variety of blues and greens.
5 American Mode: Patriotic red, white and blue transition.
6 California Sunset Mode: Dramatic transitions of orange, red and

magenta tones.

7 Royal Mode: Richer, deeper color tones.
8 Blue: Fixed color.
9 Green: Fixed color.
10 Red: Fixed color.
11 White: Fixed color.
12 Magenta: Fixed color.
13 Hold: Save the current color effect during a color light show.
14 Recall: Activate the last saved color effect.
15 White
16 Standard Mode
17 IntelliBrite Mode

ColorCascade Lights can be controlled using a standard wall-mount light switch or by the
IntelliBrite® Controller (see page 3). Multiple ColorCascade lights can be connected via a
junction box and 12 VAC transformer to a single switch so that all lights can be switched
on and off together. ColorCascade lights are controlled by cycling AC power to the 12
VAC transformer from a standard wall switch. By turning the switch Off and On a specific
number of times, the light activates one of the seven light show modes, fixed colors, or
enables the “Hold” and “Recall” feature, see page 6.

Powering on the ColorCascade Light

When the ColorCascade light is powered on, the previously selected color is
displayed, unless the HOLD or RECALL feature was previously enabled.

Note: If power to the light is off for more than five (5) seconds, the last color show
mode or fixed color that was saved will be displayed.

Operating ColorCascade® Color Lights Using a Wall Switch

Number of times to cycle power (1-17)

3

COLORCASCADE® Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide COLORCASCADE

Example: To select California Sunset Mode; First switch power on to the light; the
previously selected color is displayed, unless the HOLD or RECALL feature was previously
enabled, then turn the switch off and on six (6) successive times. During the Off/On
switching process, no illumination will occur.

Saving a color mode or fixed color

When power is switched off to the ColorCascade® lights, the last color show mode or fixed
color will be saved. The next time the light is powered on, the previously saved color show
mode or fixed color will be displayed. For example, while in Party Mode switch the light off.
Wait more than 10 seconds, switch the light back on to resume Party Mode.

NOTE: During the off/on switching process, before the selected color
is displayed, no illumination will occur. This operating mode is normal
during the switching process. During this period the pool and spa will be
dark and precautions should be taken to avoid unforeseen accidents.
Failure to observe this warning may result in serious injury or death to
pool and spa users.

Random Mode

The ColorCascade® Light has an additional Random Mode. In Random Mode the lights
will randomly transition through the same color palette as in IntelliBrite Mode at a similar
speed to the IntelliBrite Mode. For an example, IntelliBrite American Mode lights up only
in red white and blue and when the IntelliBrite Random Mode is turned on and the light
is set to American Mode it will display red, white and blue, but randomly. The speed of the
transitions is also tied to the IntelliBrite Mode. Sam Mode will change colors slowly and
Party Mode will change more rapidly.

Activating IntelliBrite Random Mode: To toggle IntelliBrite Random Mode On or Off
you need to enter Party Mode(Off-On-Off-On), wait until the lights come on and then enter
Party Mode a second time (Off-On-Off-On) with less than 30 seconds between them.

Resetting All Lights: To Reset all the lights you need to enter Party Mode four (4) times
with less than 30 seconds between them. This will turn IntelliBrite Random Mode OFF.
This is needed because should two lights ever get into different states, toggling their
states will never fix the problem.

4

®

Color Pool and Spa Light Installation and User’s Guide

To access the Standard Mode setting, you must cycle the power to the ColorCascade
Light with 16 Off/On sequences. To return to the IntelliBrite Mode, cycle the power Off/On
with 17 sequences By turning the switch Off and On a specific number of times, the light
activates one of the three light show modes or locks a chosen color.

Selecting a color light show mode or fixed color

Switch power on to the ColorCascade light. A random color will flash indicating the
program you are in, followed by the previously selected program mode. To select a color
show mode or fixed color, turn the wall switch off/on a specific number of times. Please
review the chart below and follow the power cycle sequence to activate the various show
feature effects while in “show” modes.

1. Fixed Color: Turn power off and then on to “Hold” the Light on that specific color (no
matter what color show you are in). If you keep the unit on that color for at least five (5)
seconds, the ColorCascade light will “save” this color and keep it in that mode until you
release it with an additional power off/on sequence. In “Fixed Color” mode the light when
powered on, will not flash its program, but immediately go to the “Fixed Color” chosen.

2. Color Show Mode: Turn power off and then on twice (Off/On, Off/On) to cycle through
the following three color modes. Turning the power on and off twice (Off/On, Off/On) will
continue to cycle through the programs.

Operating ColorCascade® Lights in Standard Mode

5

Synchronized Mode: All ColorCascade lights on the same circuit will synchronize and
cycle on the same colors. When the units are in this mode, when powered up, the light
will flash a random color one time and then turn all units on white and then start cycling
through the eight colors. The single flash of a random color is the visual confirmation
what color show you have activated. The light will stay in this mode each time the
system is powered on until a program change is made.

Random Mode: Turn the power on and then off twice (Off/On, Off/On) and the light will
cycle to the next program, Random Mode. In this mode each of the ColorCascade lights
will cycle together, but in random colors. When this mode is selected, the light will flash
twice to indicate it is in random mode and then start up in a random color sequence. If
multiple lights are on the same circuit, each light will display different random colors.

Party Mode: Turn the power on and then off twice (Off/On, Off/On) and the light will
cycle to the next program, Party Mode. In this mode each of the ColorCascade lights will
cycle together, but in random colors and in ever increasing cycle speeds until the last
ten seconds at which time the ColorCascade lights will randomly flash different colors at
different times. When this mode is selected, the light will flash three times to indicate it is
in Party Mode and then start up in a random color sequence. If multiple lights are on the
same circuit, each light will display different colors. In the event of a power interruption
or power loss and the units become out of sequence, turn the light switch on and then
off four times (Off/On, Off/On, Off/On, Off/On). The unit will flash five (5) times then
reset all of the lights and start them in Random Mode.