Code Q&A: Bonding & Grounding Requirements for Fountains

Put your NEC knowledge to the test.

Jan. 14, 2021

2 min read

Based on the 2020 NEC. Underlined text indicates a Code change.

Q. What are the NEC requirements for the bonding and grounding of fountains?

See answer below.

A. Section 680.54 covers the bonding and grounding requirements for swimming pools, fountains, and similar installations.

680.54(A) Connection to Equipment Grounding Conductor

The following equipment must be connected to the circuit equipment grounding conductor (EGC):

(1) Other than listed low-voltage luminaires not requiring grounding, all electrical equipment located within the fountain or within 5 ft of the inside wall of the fountain.

(2) All electrical equipment associated with the recirculating system of the fountain.

(3) Panelboards that are not part of the service equipment and that supply any electrical equipment associated with the fountain.

Note: See 250.122 for sizing of these conductors.

680.54(B) Bonding

The following parts must be bonded together and connected to an EGC of the branch circuit supplying the fountain:

(1) All metal piping systems associated with the fountain

(2) All metal fittings within or attached to the fountain

(3) Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the fountain water-circulating system, including pump motors

(4) Metal raceways within 5 ft of the inside wall or perimeter of the fountain and not separated from the fountain by a permanent barrier

(5) All metal surfaces within 5 ft of the inside wall or perimeter of the fountain and not separated from the fountain by a permanent barrier

(6) Electrical devices and controls that are not associated with the fountain and are located less than 5 ft of the inside wall or perimeter of the fountain

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.