No. 19 — Outdoor Spas and Hot Tubs
No. 19 — Outdoor Spas and Hot Tubs
No. 19 — Outdoor Spas and Hot Tubs
No. 19 — Outdoor Spas and Hot Tubs
No. 19 — Outdoor Spas and Hot Tubs

NEC Rules for Pools, Tubs, Fountains, and Spas ― Part 3

Aug. 20, 2019
Summing up the requirements of Article 680, Part III

Article 680, Part III provides the requirements for electrical equipment associated with storable pools, spas, and hot tubs. Some highlights:

  • All equipment must be GFCI-protected [Sec. 680.32].
  • If an underwater luminaire is installed, it must be in or on a wall of the pool, spa, or tub [Sec. 680.33].
  • If the underwater luminaire is within the low voltage contact limit, it must be part of a cord and plug connected lighting assembly. And it must meet all four conditions of Sec. 680.33(A)(1) through (4).
  • If the underwater luminaire is over the low-voltage contact limit but not over 150V, it can be part of a cord and plug connected lighting assembly. And it must meet all five conditions of Sec. 680.33(A)(1) through (5). The fifth condition is compliance with Sec. 680.23(A)(5).
  • A condition common to both types of luminaire are “No exposed metal parts”, [Sec. 680.33(A)(1) and (B)(1)].
  • Receptacles must be at least 6 ft from the inside walls of a storable pool, spa, or hot tub [Sec. 680.34].
  • Receptacles within 20 ft of the pool, tub, or spa must be GFCI-protected.
About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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