NEC 2023 · Article 680
NEC Article 680 — Pools: Receptacles, GFCI & Bonding
Permanently installed pools carry the strictest wiring rules in the residential code — distances, GFCI everywhere, and an equipotential bonding grid. These are the values inspectors pull a tape measure on.
680.22(A) — Receptacle Distances & GFCI
| Receptacle | Rule |
|---|---|
| Circulation / pump motor receptacle | Permitted 6–10 ft from the inside pool wall; must be single, locking, grounding type with GFCI protection |
| Other receptacles | Keep at least 6 ft from the inside pool wall |
| Required convenience receptacle (dwellings) | At least one general-purpose receptacle 6–20 ft from the pool, max 6½ ft above grade |
| GFCI zone | All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles within 20 ft of the pool wall require GFCI protection |
Distances are measured as the shortest path a cord would follow — through doors and windows, around barriers — not through walls or permanent obstructions.
Luminaires, Switches & Overhead Clearances
- • New luminaires — 680.22(B): outdoors, keep them at least 12 ft above the maximum water level within the zone extending 5 ft horizontally from the pool wall. Existing luminaires within 5 ft may remain if at least 5 ft up, rigidly attached, and GFCI-protected.
- • Switches — 680.22(C): switching devices stay at least 5 ft horizontally from the inside pool wall unless separated by a permanent barrier (or listed for closer use).
- • Underwater luminaires — 680.23: low-voltage listed luminaires with transformers/power supplies listed for pool use; GFCI protection for line-voltage units.
- • Overhead service conductors: keep utility and feeder conductors out of the clearance envelope over the pool and diving boards per 680.9.
680.26 — Equipotential Bonding
The bonding grid doesn't run back to the panel — it ties everything a swimmer can touch to the same potential. Use 8 AWG solid copper minimum with listed connectors. Parts that must be connected:
- • Conductive pool shell (structural rebar or bonding grid)
- • Perimeter surfaces extending 3 ft horizontally from the inside pool wall
- • Metallic ladders, rails, and other fittings
- • Metal fittings within or attached to the pool structure
- • Pool pump motors and other electrical equipment associated with circulation
- • Metal-sheathed cables, raceways, piping, and fixed metal parts within 5 ft horizontally / 12 ft vertically (unless separated by a barrier)
- • Pool water itself — at least 9 sq in. of conductive surface in contact with the water
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