12 volt lights for pools.

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JFletcher said:
See 680.7, 680.22(C)(3), and 680.23(A)(2). Basically, the xfmr has to be listed as a spa/pool xfmr and GFCI protected.
Click to expand...

Does 12 volts lights for swimming pool has to be on GFCI?
Click to expand...
If I am reading what you really mean correctly - NO, 12v lights in a pool connected to a pool light transformer do not require GFI protection.

680.7 is not related - Fixed or stationary equipment other than an underwater luminaire
680.22(C)(3) is not for in pool lighting

I don't read 680.23(A)(2) that way.
I believe the 12v light in the pool, wired to a proper pool light transformer does not need to be on a GFI circuit.

The fact that the transformer is an isolation type with an ungrounded secondary or double insulated means the GFI on the primary would not be able to respond to a ground fault on the secondary.

Maybe I haven't had enough coffee and I am off base. I do know we have a whole lot of 12v pool lights that have passed inspection and are not fed with a GFi.
Hopefully someone else will chime in.
 
cpinetree said:
If I am reading what you really mean correctly - NO, 12v lights in a pool connected to a pool light transformer do not require GFI protection.

680.7 is not related - Fixed or stationary equipment other than an underwater luminaire
680.22(C)(3) is not for in pool lighting

I don't read 680.23(A)(2) that way.
I believe the 12v light in the pool, wired to a proper pool light transformer does not need to be on a GFI circuit.

The fact that the transformer is an isolation type with an ungrounded secondary or double insulated means the GFI on the primary would not be able to respond to a ground fault on the secondary.

Maybe I haven't had enough coffee and I am off base. I do know we have a whole lot of 12v pool lights that have passed inspection and are not fed with a GFi.
Hopefully someone else will chime in.
Click to expand...

He didnt specify if the lights were IN the pool or NEAR or anything really, so I just thumbed thru the sections that are applicable to both installs.

680.7 is applicable for lights not underwater. again, OP didnt specify.

eta: sorry, you are correct; the "at more than 15 volts" part escaped me earlier. 12V lights fed by a listed pool/spa xfmr do not have to be on a GFCI circuit (at least by the section I cited).

Blegh, Im done with article 680 today.

my refs are 2008 NEC if it makes a substantial difference.
 
Thankfully I did not answer off the top of my head for once again I failed to apply "Charlie's Rule".
I would have sworn the Code required GFCI protection for the transformer primary... then I read the Code.
 
They do not need GFCI protection as previous posts stated.
Use a transformer that is approved for pool/spa use=not HD or Lowes brand.

However, I will GFCI protect ALL pool lights. A GFCI receptacle prior to your transformer is fine or a GFCI breaker-whatever is easier.
I for one want an insurance policy at a minimal cost with GFCI protection.
 
cpinetree said:
The fact that the transformer is an isolation type with an ungrounded secondary or double insulated means the GFI on the primary would not be able to respond to a ground fault on the secondary.
Click to expand...

Even with a grounded secondary a GFCI would not protect the secondary.
 
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