The unmistakeable beauty of frameless glass fencing beside a pool, an outdoor spa or walkaround garden is an instant reminder of timeless elegance. Fully transparent walls guarantee maximum lighting while still providing a solid barrier against high winds, hard impacts and even heavy crowd loads. It takes heavy duty glass spigots, however, to give them the equally solid support they need to maintain their inherent safety and one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
Drilled Spigots Add Integrity and Elegance To Any Glass Fence
Make no mistake: while it’s easy to fall in love with the style and sophistication of glass fencing, it’s the strength and stability of corrosion-resistant core drill spigots that are the source of their reliability. Spigots provide the graceful, long-lasting support glass panels need to withstand the range of lateral and longitudinal stresses that could otherwise result in them breaking or shattering. And unlike some spigot styles with mounting plates and hardware that can be an unwanted visual distraction, pre-drilled core spigots combine maximum stability with an uncluttered look that’s barely noticeable.
Cored spigots feature ribbed stems that are directly inserted, and permanently cemented into pre-drilled holes in a building’s foundation. At a length of 100mm – 150mm, these stems become virtually immovable anchors once the cement around them cures, giving core drilled spigots an instant advantage when it comes to:
- Optimal structural integrity. With their marine-grade, rust-resistant bodies and solidly embedded stems, stainless steel drilled spigots offer optimal structural integrity for both tempered and laminated 10mm and 12mm glass panels.
- Super clean aesthetics. Cored spigots don’t have clunky base plates or flanges, and aren’t awkwardly secured to the floor, affording them the super clean, low-profile aesthetic that allows glass panels to appear as if they’re floating in the air.
- Always the perfect view. The flush, streamlined design of cored spigots allows property owners to fully enjoy the unrestricted lumination and viewing area that glass panels offer, without sacrificing their rigidity or resistance to the elements.
While foundation thicknesses have to be taken into consideration when installing core drilled spigot fixtures, their subtle sophistication is matched only by their structural soundness. They’re precise, permanent installations for all types of residential and commercial projects that look and perform as well indoors as they do outdoors.
Spigot Finishes and Colours That Complement Every Situation
Although drilled spigots are most highly regarded for their minimalism, their appearance is anything but negligible. They’re as responsible for complementing their surrounding as they are for the illusion of floating panels, which is why top core drill spigot manufacturers put special emphasis on their visual treatments.
Regardless of whether a fenced-in area features a standard epoxy floor covering, an intricately-tiled motif or a drop-off to infinity, spigots help define the feel and spaciousness of the entire area, which is why they’re available in a range of finishes that include:
- Generic polished or satin/brushed 2205 stainless steel;
- Brass or gold polished 2205 stainless steel; or,
- Standard matt black or white powdercoating.
Specialty spigot buyers can also purchase core drilled spigots in an array of premium Dulux and Interpon D2525 powdercoating colours offering an array of attributes that include:
- Optimal UV stable finishes. Dulux and Interpon D2525 exterior paints are both specially formulated for architectural aluminium and galvanised steel applications that are exposed to high-UV and high-humidity conditions.
- Long lasting colour durability. The polyester content of Dulux and Interpon D2525 powdercoatings is crucial for longer lasting colour retention and durability than ordinary exterior coatings, with only a minor loss of lumination.
- Coatings made for Australia. From high temperatures and humidity, to persistent sunlight and mineral dust, Australia’s climate is tough on paint. Spigots coated with Dulux and Interpon D2525, however, offer superior protection against all types of exposure.
Rock-solid stability, premium optics and the ability to withstand the elements aren’t the only qualities that need to be considered with spigots, though. Installing metal fixtures near water features like pools and spas carry a heightened risk of electrical shock, which is why earthing is also a major spigot safety element that can’t be ignored.
Making Proper Earthing A Primary Spigot Safety Priority
When it comes to installing metal fixtures like spigots near water, AS/NZS 3000:2018 is unquestionably clear about the need for proper earthing. While all-metal fences and balustrades typically only require a single grounding point to protect bystanders from the hazards of stray voltage, the free-floating design of glass fences requires that every single spigot be earthed for safety. And for drilled spigots, that also means special attention is required with regard to the preparation and layout of the area the fixtures are being installed in.
Ideally, a continuous earthing cable under the foundation with grounding lugs should be used to connect each spigot stem to the main earthing conductor, with special consideration given for the following:
- The distance from the spigots to the water. AS/NZS standards require any metal spigots within 1.25 metres (roughly an arm’s reach) of the water’s edge be earthed. This is due both to the proximity of the water to the spigot, as well as the potential for metal conductors like aluminium pool equipment to inadvertently create a circuit between a wet swimmer and the spigot.
- The proximity of other electrical equipment. While poolside lights, pumps and power points may be earthed, any of them could still allow electricity to jump to an unprotected spigot. That’s why spigots that are near electrical sources need to be earthed or insulated against becoming unexpectedly energised.
- The effectiveness of the local building and electrical codes. Even though earthing requirements are already codified by AS/NZS 3000, facility engineers, sparkies and general contractors are still required to follow the local guidance on proper earthing. And as this guidance can vary, builders and contractors need to be fully aware of possible changes regarding spigot installations before completing any foundation work.
It’s also important to remember that poor quality spigots can be more difficult to earth properly than high quality ones. Inconsistent metal thicknesses, shaky earthing points and the presence of paint or powdercoating at lug points can all cause potentially dangerous earthing problems. Sourcing spigots from trusted online retailers is the key to eliminating the pitfalls of subpar spigot manufacturing.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, the beauty and simplicity of glass fences makes them one of the most striking features used anywhere in modern architecture. And while they make stunning upgrades to any balcony or staircase, it’s the floating serenity they bring to water features like pools and spas that qualify them as true design standouts.
Corrosion-resistant core drill spigots help safely set glass fences apart from their contemporaries. No matter if it’s indoors or outdoors, they’re the perfect choice for the ultimate style statement.
