NEC 2011 Swimming Pools

[frani]

Hi everyone. Perhaps someone could shed some light on this for me as it seems rather strange. To start with the last code our state adopted was the 2005 until December 31, 2013 when we adopted the 2011. In the 2005 the receptacle for the pool pump (permanently installed) was required to be between 5' and 10' from he inside walls of the pool; with the other receptable to be installed 10' to 20' from the inside walls. This made perfect sense so that if a radio was plugged in no extension cord would be needed and since the cord on the radio isnt longer than 6' it wouldn't be to close to the pool. Since I teach electrical we get copies of the NEC every 3 years. I never even picked up on that in the 2008 the 5' to 10' was changed to 6' because it wasn't shaded. My shame........ However, in the 2011 there is a change I don't understand.....that's why I'm writing this. NEC 680.22A1 states that the pump receptacle shall be located at least 10' from the inside walls or not less than 6' if it meets the following requirements: single receptacle, twistlock, grounded and GFI protected. The usual. However, 680.22A2 states that other receptacles can be installed not less than 6' from the inside walls of the pool. As always it needs to be GFI protected. So..according to the 2011 NEC I can install side by side two boxes 6' from the inside of the pool. One, a GFI duplex receptacle for general purposes such as a radio with a 6' cord; and the other for the pump motor which must be a twist-lock, single receptacle........ Can someone clarify this for me???? Thanks, Frani

 

[Dennis Alwon]

As long as the receptacles are 6' or more from the inside wall of the pool then you are good to go. Of course they must be gfci protected. I see the issue, why do they require a locking type recep. on the pool pump receptacle but then allow a receptacle for standard use to be 6'?

The 2014 has changed to eliminate the locking type receptacle requirement for the pool pump. I think that part was left over and missed during the 2011 changes--

 

[david]

Hi everyone. Perhaps someone could shed some light on this for me as it seems rather strange. To start with the last code our state adopted was the 2005 until December 31, 2013 when we adopted the 2011. In the 2005 the receptacle for the pool pump (permanently installed) was required to be between 5' and 10' from he inside walls of the pool; with the other receptable to be installed 10' to 20' from the inside walls. This made perfect sense so that if a radio was plugged in no extension cord would be needed and since the cord on the radio isnt longer than 6' it wouldn't be to close to the pool. Since I teach electrical we get copies of the NEC every 3 years. I never even picked up on that in the 2008 the 5' to 10' was changed to 6' because it wasn't shaded. My shame........ However, in the 2011 there is a change I don't understand.....that's why I'm writing this. NEC 680.22A1 states that the pump receptacle shall be located at least 10' from the inside walls or not less than 6' if it meets the following requirements: single receptacle, twistlock, grounded and GFI protected. The usual. However, 680.22A2 states that other receptacles can be installed not less than 6' from the inside walls of the pool. As always it needs to be GFI protected. So..according to the 2011 NEC I can install side by side two boxes 6' from the inside of the pool. One, a GFI duplex receptacle for general purposes such as a radio with a 6' cord; and the other for the pump motor which must be a twist-lock, single receptacle........ Can someone clarify this for me???? Thanks, Frani

it does not make any sense, 10 ft made sense as you stated this clearance kept radio, TV and other appliances out of reach from the occupant of the pool. The 6 ft allowance invites the pool occupant to contact the appliances at pool edge while standing in the water. It was a stupid change, it does not make any sense at all