Pool Bonding Electrical Code

A short overview of the relevant electrical safety requirements as found in the 5th edition of florida building code fbc is as follows.

Pool bonding electrical code.

These rules are current as of the 2017 edition of the nec a coding standard that is updated every three years while changes to the code are gradual it is always a good idea to check on the requirements of the latest edition of the nec. Non conductive pool shells must have a 8 or larger solid copper wire buried 4 6 below finished grade with such bond wire placed from18 24 from the inside pool wall around the pool equipotential bonding that which starts and returns terminates at the pool pump. The following codes and standards apply to swimming pools designed built and maintained and is not all inclusive. There are many items mentioned in 680 26 required to be bonded together and placed at the same potential.

The 2011 code sought to remedy these problems. Bonding of metal parts of the electrical equipment makes a low impedance path for the fault current back to the source circuit to trip the over current device. Summer is the time of year when most swimming pool equipment hot tubs and spas are inspected and maintained to ensure that life saving measures such as ground fault circuit interrupter gfci protection and all grounding and bonding systems are functioning properly. Bonding bonding is required to get all metal parts of the electrical equipment and the non electrical metal parts of the pool spa structure to attain equal electrical potential.

For example it addresses the connection of the copper bonding grid discussed in 680 26 b 1 b 1. In other words all electrical equipment must comply with the provisions of the national electric code. This includes conductive pool shells perimeter surfaces fixed metal parts underwater lighting electrical equipment metallic components metal fittings and. Electrical safety is very important especially around pools to ensure the safety of families and other guests.

For added protection of all new pool installations the 2017 nec national electrical code article 680 has been amended. Fbc building chapter 4 section 454. Proper pool bonding is an extremely important topic. Top 10 major code changes to look out for in the nec 2017.

The code requirements for the bonding of the pool water in 680 26 c were reworded for easier application. Passed in 1968 the swimming pool code applies to new construction and reconstruction for all equipment in the image above. Examples of 2020 national electrical code changes. Article 680 and not just pool lighting.

When nonconductive structural reinforcing steel is used in a pool a bonding grid of 8 awg copper conductors is required.