680.26 Is "Insulated" really an option OR does it have to be bare?

[dinotone]

Am I the only one that finds this ambiguous/frustrating? I have in my inventory a couple hundred feet of green insulated solid #8. I would like to use this for an upcoming above ground large round pool equipotential bonding application. Simply - Pump, water via skimmer kit & 4 of the pool wall steel frames, no heater or surrounding metal. Obviously stripping insulation through all lugs. Another electrician buddy tells me has to be bare. 680.26 (B) states "The parts specified in (B)(1) through (7) shall be bonded together using solid copper conductors, insulated covered, or bare..."

Perhaps the answer is bare has to be utilized when no structural reinforcing steel is present and it's simply a copper ring?

Thanks

 

[augie47]

I guess it depends on which part of Section 680.26 you are referencing:

Bonded Parts. The parts specified in 680.26(B)(1) through (B)(7) shall be bonded together using solid copper conductors, insulated covered, or bare
Perimeter: At least one minimum 8 AWG bare solid copper conductor shall be provided

If it's actually an area that needs bonding then bare makes sense, if you are connecting a part such as a pump motor tom the grid then, as the Code states, insulated is allowable.

 

[infinity]

For the perimeter surfaces {680.21(B)(2)} or for a conductive pool shell bonding grid {680.21(B)(1)(b)} you need a bare conductor. To bond metal parts together it can be insulated.

 

[dinotone]

I'm looking at 2020 NEC and Perimeter Surfaces is the B(2) of the B(1) through B(7) referenced under Bonded Parts. I only see "bare solid copper" wording under B-Perimeter Surfaces (2b)Copper Ring & (2c) Copper Grid, not under Perimeter Surfaces (2a) - Structural Reinforcing Steel, which is my case.

I know this is splitting hairs a little, and perhaps I just go out and buy the bare, but I believe I'm right.