Pools 680.22(A) and (D)

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Sparky1981

Sparky1981

PE
Location
Denver, CO
Occupation
Electrical/Lighting Engineer
My old friend the code who likes to be nice a vague. My company has designed a lot of Recreation Centers which of course includes pools and this is the first time this is coming up.

Two issues.

The first are receptacles, which are covered in 680.22(A). This states they have to be 6' away from the edge of the pool. Given the intent of the code is to keep appliances with standard 6' cords from being knocked into the water I have always assumed that this 6' distance is not the horizontal distance along the deck, but the hypotenuse of the triangle that includes the horizontal distance along the deck as well as the mounting height. Is my interpretation correct? Or is the codes intent horizontal distance, 6' from the face of the water even if the outlet is mounted 100' above the deck......

Second is in regards to fire alarm devices, covered in 680.22(D). Same issue only this is 10'. Again I have always assumed the hypotenuse distance, not just the horizontal from the face of the water to the face of the wall the device is.

Thoughts?
 
I think 680.22(A)(5) tells us this. I'll pass on fire alarms

(5) Measurements. In determining the dimensions in this
section addressing receptacle spacings, the distance to be
measured shall be the shortest path the supply cord of an
appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without
piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, doorway with hinged or sliding
door, window opening, or other effective permanent
barrier.
Click to expand...
 
This is from Mike Holt for (A) & (C). If you look at (C) you'll see the measurement is different because (C) uses the word horizontally.

303ecm17fig1.jpg


680-22C-UN680-17B-NEWweb3.jpg
 
I read 680.22 (A)(5) which is actually the same reference (D) has you look at for "other devices" which include fire alarm. So they would be measured the same. I when I read that I read that as the hypotenuse not just the horizontal distance.
 
What infinity posted is how I interpret this as well. I think I am good using the hypotenuse as the distance not just the horizontal.
 
Sparky1981 said:
What infinity posted is how I interpret this as well. I think I am good using the hypotenuse as the distance not just the horizontal.
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If you are talking about equipment then the hypotenuse is not the correct way to measure. The equipment must be 5' horizontally. The hypotenuse at 5' would make the equipment closer than 5'.
 
I too have a love-hate relationship with the code. But but when I think it is being vuage it's because I want it to read something it doesn't. Then I ask how would I write it if I didn't want an electrical device to fall into the pool.
-In short I wouldn't pass it if it were within 6' horizontally.

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Russell Ensslin said:
Upon further consideration I suppose a falling electric device would come unplugged before contacting water.
Aren't there hight requirements for receptacles in spas?

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Considering extension cords are a readily available thing I would not get too carried away worrying about a few inches either way.
 
The problem is that we inspectors aren't expert electricians but if an electrician convinces an inspector that 5'11" is OK then someone gets hurt the installer will blame the inspector; happens every time; sad but true.

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Russell Ensslin said:
The problem is that we inspectors aren't expert electricians but if an electrician convinces an inspector that 5'11" is OK then someone gets hurt the installer will blame the inspector; happens every time; sad but true.

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I agree I would cover my butt. There is a height req. of not more than 6'6" above the floor.
 
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