National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

Oct. 24, 2005

How close can I run underground service conductors in a raceway to an outdoor pool?

Q. How close can I run underground service conductors in a raceway to an outdoor pool?

A. According to 680.10, underground wiring isn’t permitted under or within 5 feet horizontally from the inside wall of permanently installed pools, storable pools, outdoor spas, outdoor hot tubs, or fountains.

However, where space limitations prevent wiring from being at least 5 feet away, underground wiring would be permitted if within rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or rigid nonmetallic conduit having a minimum burial depth of 6 inches for metal raceways and 18 inches for nonmetallic raceways.

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.