Location Requirements for Wall-Mounted Pool Luminaires

Part II of Article 680 of the 2011 NEC covers electrical installations at permanently installed pools.

July 14, 2014

Wet-niche luminaires shall be installed with the top of the luminaire lens not less than _____ below the normal water level of the pool.

a) 6 in.
b) 12 in.
c) 18 in.
d) 24 in.

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: c) 18 in.

Part II of Article 680 of the 2011 NEC covers electrical installations at permanently installed pools. Section 680.23 covers all luminaires installed below the normal water level of the pool. As noted in 680.23(A)(5), "Luminaires mounted in walls shall be installed with the top of the luminaire lens not less than 18 in. below the normal water level of the pool, unless the luminaire is listed and identified for use at lesser depths. No luminaire shall be installed less than 4 in. below the normal water level of the pool."