Pool Luminaire Requirements

Part II of Art. 680 covers electrical installations at permanently installed pools.

Dec. 15, 2014

Where a pool light operates over the low-voltage contact limit, the junction box that has a raceway that extends directly to an underwater pool light forming shell shall be located not less than _____ from the inside wall of an outdoor pool or spa unless separated by a solid fence, wall, or other permanent barrier.

a) 2 ft
b) 3 ft
c) 4 ft
d) 6 ft

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: c) 4 ft

Part II of Art. 680 covers electrical installations at permanently installed pools. Section 680.24 outlines the requirements for junction boxes and electrical enclosures for transformers or ground-fault circuit interrupters. As per 680.24(A)(2)(b), the horizontal spacing requirements note "The junction box shall be located not less than 4 ft from the inside wall of the pool, unless separated from the pool by a solid fence, wall, or other permanent barrier."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.