Pentair IntelliBrite 5G 120V vs 12V: Which Voltage Do You Need? (601001 vs 601011)
Here is a mistake we see all the time. Someone orders an IntelliBrite 5G, waits for it to show up, pulls the old light, and then finds out they bought the wrong voltage. The light itself looks identical either way, so it is an easy trap to fall into.
The short version: the Pentair 601001 is the 120V IntelliBrite 5G and the Pentair 601011 is the 12V IntelliBrite 5G. Both are 26 watt multi-color LED lights with a 50 foot cord. The only real difference is the voltage they run on, and you need to match the voltage your pool is already wired for.
What is the difference between the 601001 and the 601011?
Voltage, and nothing else you would notice. The 601001 runs on 120V line power. The 601011 runs on 12V and needs a transformer between the breaker and the light to step the power down.
Colors, brightness, light shows, and fit are the same on both. They install in the same standard wet niches, so whichever one matches your wiring will drop right into place. Price is close too, usually within about fifty dollars of each other.
How do I know if my pool light is 120V or 12V?
The fastest way is to look for a transformer. If there is a transformer box on the wall near your junction box or breaker panel, your light circuit is 12V and you want the 601011. No transformer means the light is getting straight 120V line power, so you want the 601001.
A few other ways to check:
- Look at the label on your old light. The voltage is printed right on it, either on the face ring or the back of the housing.
- Check the model number of the old light and look up its spec sheet.
- If you are not comfortable poking around electrical, have an electrician or pool tech confirm it. This is a five minute check for them.
Do not guess on this one. A 12V light hooked to 120V power will burn out immediately, and a 120V light on a 12V transformer will barely glow, if it lights at all.
Can I switch my pool from 120V to 12V?
Yes, but it is a wiring job, not just a light swap. Going from 120V to 12V means adding a proper pool-rated transformer, and that work should be done by a licensed electrician. Some areas actually require low voltage lights on new installs, so if you are doing a bigger renovation it may be worth asking about.
If your existing circuit works fine and passes inspection, the simpler path is to buy the IntelliBrite 5G that matches what you have. That keeps the project at pull the old light, feed the new cord, and set the new one in the niche.
Which IntelliBrite 5G should you buy?
Buy the one that matches your current wiring. If you have a transformer, get the 12V model 601011. If you do not, get the 120V model 601001. Either way, make sure the circuit has working GFCI protection, since every pool light needs it regardless of voltage.
One more tip before you order: measure your cord run. Both of these come with a 50 foot cord, which covers most pools. If your junction box sits far from the niche, Pentair makes longer cord versions, and it is much easier to buy the right length now than to splice later (splicing pool light cords is not something we recommend anyway).
Here are both versions so you can grab the one that fits your setup:
Not sure this is the right part for your problem? Reach out and we will help you figure out exactly what you need before you spend money on the wrong thing.