Baptismal pool

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bassphisher

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What section of article 680 would a baptismal pool fall under?
Would an E-Stop be required within 5 feet?
The water will be heated and I believe it requires a 50 or 60 amp 240v circuit,which will be on a GFCI.
I don't have all the info yet.I'll be inspecting it in the next couple of weeks.Any info. would be greatly appreciated.
Paul
Gretna Electrical Inspector
 
I would think Section IV, but I don't recall seeing an E-stop by our baptismal. Maybe it's down low out of sight of the rest of the church.

You've got me wondering now. I'll have to look for one at our church.
 
I can't find any reference in the code for baptismal areas. If any special considerations are used they would be based on the specs. This is not a hot tub, spa, fountain, or jetted tub. Maybe if the people swim to the stairs we could call it a pool. Maybe we need to suggest some changes to the code. Have any people been hurt due to faulty electrical wiring?

Maybe if baptism is a rebirth we could put it in article 517 for hospital areas. :lol:
 
I know that their was a person electrocuted in Texas in a baptmisal pool.
I want to make sure that the same thing does not happen here.
 
bassphisher said:
I know that their was a person electrocuted in Texas in a baptmisal pool.
I want to make sure that the same thing does not happen here.
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I think that was mentioned on this site a few months ago. I seem to recall several incidents, one involving wiring done improperly, the other was a microphone that failed.

I am not sure any realistic changes to the code would have prevented either of these tragedies.
 
I think a baptmisal pools are really tub's. Think about it. What does it closely resemble ?

Swiming pool
Hydromessage bathtubs
Spa's and Hot tub's
Bathtub

I would say bathtub and would follow any codes containing to thier in.

:D
 
If the water is left in the baptmisal, it is not a bathtub.

Also, if it has a pump, or a filter, or a heater, then I don't see how you can say it most closely resembles a bathtub.

If it is not a factory-fabricated unit, then it is not a "self contained" or "packaged" unit.

Looking at the definitions in 680, that mostly leaves "Spa or Hot Tub", or "Pool"

Without seeing it, my vote if for "pool", and I would say parts I and II of 680 apply.
 
I am not sure any realistic changes to the code would have prevented either of these tragedies.
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If I remember right, the one involving the mircophone occured due to improper grounding of the audio equipment. So the electrocution was the direct result of not following something that was already in the code.

Steve
 
Well if my memory serves me correctly, when I was baptized; it was no more than a basin containing Holy Water. They had no mikes or speaker system installed in church. I was baptized in Jan. of '42 and that water was cold!

It just goes to show you the more modern we get, the more dangerous things become!

If this is a pool with GFCI protection I would just follow Manufacturers directions. :)
 
The more that I look at article 680 I am leaning toward the requirements of section VI.Pools and TUBS for therapeutic use.here is my reasoning.
1)It's not a pool you can not swim in it.
2)It's not a hydromassage bath tub you don't bath in it.
3)It's not a fountain.
So the only thing that is left is pools and tubs for therapeutic use section VI
The church says that it is only going to be used 2 times a year,and will be drained in between usages.
It does have a pump motor and an electric heater 240v/48 amps
The control panel contains internal GFCI protection.
Their is one duplex receptacle outlet within 5'.I am going to require that it be GFCI protected.
Can this receptacle outlet be located there?
If I am applying the correct section 680.62(E) does not specify how close an outlet can be located just that it has to be GFCI protected.
Thanks Paul
 
Pools include wading pools.

Therapeutic normally means health care (in my opinion at least).

Hydromassage tub might fit if it is a prepackaged or factory assembled unit.

When I hear "baptismal", I tend to think of something that the contractor basically assembles from miscellaneous items into a "custom" water tank that people wade or submerge in.

If that's the case, I still say it's probably a pool.

On the other hand, if its just a bathtub in disguise, then its just a bathtub even if noone is going to use soap :D

Steve
 
After seeing it, my vote is for "Spa or Hot Tub". That would make Parts I and IV of 680 apply.

Steve
 
Pretty much the same heater and pump thats used in a hot tub.Using only 2 times a year says buisness must be doing poorly.I cant call it a bathtub or a pool.If it was me inspecting i would go for the max safe guards.If they fight you on this then let your chief approve it and save your self from what could be a bad day.Its indoors so i would say no receptacle within 5 feet and within 10 would have gfci
 
Jim
NEC does not regulate your soul
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The NEC does not regulate anything. :lol: :lol: They (the NFPA) merely write a document called the NEC and allow various forms of Government choose to accept it as law or not. It is more like a strong recommendation to me.

I understand that our state will be adopting the MEC sometime early next year. Now if I understand things correctly the MEC (Michigan Electrical Code) will just about mirror the NEC with a few changes.
 
dlhoule said:
Jim
NEC does not regulate your soul
Click to expand...

The NEC does not regulate anything. :lol: :lol: They (the NFPA) merely write a document called the NEC and allow various forms of Government choose to accept it as law or not. It is more like a strong recommendation to me.

I understand that our state will be adopting the MEC sometime early next year. Now if I understand things correctly the MEC (Michigan Electrical Code) will just about mirror the NEC with a few changes.
Click to expand...
Do i see copywrite being involved :wink:
 
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