680.26 Bonding Perimeter Surfaces

[romeo]

MHO is that perimeter surfaces around a metal wall in ground pool must be bonded by a no.8 or larger solid copper conductor, and and be connected at 4 evenly spaced points at the pool metal wall. NEC 680.26(B)(2)

A local contractor is disagreeing with me, because I am the only inspector enforcing it in this area.

I want to be fair. Any opinions appreciated.

 

[LarryFine]

I want to be fair. Any opinions appreciated.

Would you rather be right or popular? What's fair? Your client is the general public; serve them fairly.

I'd suggest talking to the non-enforcers and see whether they have a different take on the article than you, or are just letting it slide.*


*Added: . . . and why.

 

[romeo]

680.26 Bonding Perimeter Surfaces

Larry thank you for the response. I believe that this is new and some inspectors may be avoiding it. I am not one who is.

It seems clear to me that NEC section 680.26(B)(2)requires the perimeter bonding grid be installed. I failed a installation a few days ago because it did not exist.

I respect the opinion of the pepole in this forum,and am requesting their feelings on the section of the articale. I would like to hear yours. I noticed that many in this forum read my post but so far you are the only one that responded. It makes me think that they are also avoiding the issue.

Thanks again
Romeo

 

[romeo]

680.26 Bonding Perimeter Surfaces

Larry just want to add a little humor. I am a electrical inspector, it is verry hard to be poular or right most of the time.

 

[augie47]

I appreciate your wanting to be "fair", but I'm not sure that is relevant.
If your job is to enforce the 2008 NEC, then you are simply doing your job.
That is what 680.26(B)(2) states.
With pool installation techniques changing constantly and the Code adapting every three years, it's difficult for installers and inspectors to keep up. To be "fair", IMHO, is to make every attempt to provide information on any changes, but, in the end, your job is to enforce the Code. Part of the installers job is to keep abreast of any changes in techniques and Code.

 

[electricmanscott]

Romeo, I assume you are talking about the deck around the pool.

I believe you are correct. It's written pretty clearly and it also applies to above ground pools and paved surfaces and grass as well. I have a feeling there are inspectors that are not looking for a #8 in the grass around and above ground pool.

I know you are not going by what "the other inspectors" let guys do and good for you.

It drives me crazy when inspectors say "you don't have to do that, I don't require it...." When I know full well that the NEC does require it and they are inspecting by ''their" code. It happens way more then it should. Inuse covers, and second ground rods are the first two that come to mind.

Keep on these guys, we'll all be better for it.

On a side note, I know you are in Mass and with that we know that it is up us to get to a code change class and put our hours in. If these guys can't be bothered to get it done and don't know what the changes are maybe a few failed jobs that they have to redo will get their rear ends motivated enough to get on the ball.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Romeo, I assume you are talking about the deck around the pool.

Hummm. I realize the art. number relates to the perimeter however the way I read it Romeo seems to be talking about a metal wall of the pool shell.

perimeter surfaces around a metal wall in ground pool

This could mean 2 things-- the perimeter around the pool that has metal walls or the perimeter of the pools metal walls. In the second scenario 680.26(B)(1)(b) would be the art. in question.

 

[mpd]

I think they have made this section more confusing, the 2005 if you had structural steel extending 3ft under the walkway you did not need the grid, the grid was an alternate means, now after reading the 2008, i am not sure,

 

[electricmanscott]

I think they have made this section more confusing, the 2005 if you had structural steel extending 3ft under the walkway you did not need the grid, the grid was an alternate means, now after reading the 2008, i am not sure,

680.26(B)(2)(a) Allows the steel to be used.

 

[romeo]

680.26 Bonding Perimeter Surfaces

electricmanscott, thank you for the response. I got a chuckle out of the 2 ground rods.

i just completed my 15 hrs. When the instructor got to grounding electrodes for a Building or Structure Supplied by a Feeder. I asked if the 25ohm rule applied if ground rods were used as the electrode system. He said no only one ground rod was required.That blew my mind as I thought even before the 2008 code that it did.

After I explained the change in section in 250.32(A)that the grounding electrode system must be installed in accordance with part 3 of articale 250 he agreed that 2 rods are required if the first does not meet the 25 ohm required, I bet inspectors will have a lot of challenges on this one.