Article 680, Part VIII of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the requirements for electrically powered pool lifts. Some highlights of this section include:
- These lifts don't have to comply with other parts of Art. 780 [Sec. 780.80].
- Many of the requirements in Part VIII reference the low-voltage contact limit [Sec. 680.2].
- Lifts must be listed, labeled, and identified for pool and spa use [Sec. 680.81]. But there are three exceptions. These exceptions allow for low voltage operation. For example, if the battery of a battery powered lift must be removed and charged at another location then its charging process does not pose a shock hazard at the pool.
- Lifts connected to the premises wiring system and operating above the low-voltage contact limit must be GFCI-protected [Sec. 680.82].
- Bond the lifts per Sec. 680.27(5) and (7) (metal fittings and fixed metal parts, respectively). This bonding eliminates dangerous differences in potential between these metallic objects and other metal that might come in contact with people or water.
- Switching devices must be at least five feet from the inside walls of a pool unless separated by a permanent barrier [Sec. 680.84].