Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013

NEC Rules for Pools, Tubs, Fountains, and Spas ― Part 1

July 16, 2019
An overview of Article 680 of the 2017 NEC

Article 680 of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the requirements for electrical equipment associated with most types of manmade containers of water, whether permanently installed or storable. Excluded are large containers such as lakes formed by dams (the containers themselves aren't manmade). When it comes to understanding what is covered, the definitions in Sec. 680.2 complement the scope defined in Sec. 680.1.

The main concern of Art. 680 is to keep water and electricity apart from each other, thereby closing one path by which people and electricity aren't kept apart from each other. Obviously, you keep the current-carrying conductors and energized equipment out of the water, but you also provide a low-impedance path for undesired current to flow back to its source. Most of the Art. 680 requirements are about the particulars of achieving these two goals.

In Part 1, General Requirements, we find such things as:

  • Grounding and bonding requirements (bonding is especially critical) [Sec. 680.6].
  • Overhead conductor clearances (power and communications have different requirements) [Sec. 680.9].
  • Equipment rooms and pits (no electrical gear can be in these) [Sec. 680.12].
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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