swimming pool light ground wire

[Will Wire]

During a recent remodel of a one family dwelling I had to rewire the circuits for the pool motors and wet-niche light fixture. In my area we are still using the 1999 NEC. Section 680-25c allows for the motors to be fed by romex wire in the interior of a one-family dwelling. I made a mistake in my study of section 680 and thought this also allowed for the branch circuit of the wet-niche light fixture within the house and before the deck box to also be romex. I ran 12-2 romex for a GFCI protected dedicated circuit to feed the pool light. I now realize that this circuit is in violation of 680-25b(2), 680-25b(3) and 680-25b(4). I would like to know if I have created an unsafe installation by wiring the light in this manner, using the bare ground conductor of romex and not having the circuit protected by the conduits listed in 680-25b(3). Thank You.

 

[poolsparky]

Re: swimming pool light ground wire

imho, this install is perfectly safe. it's fine, don't worry about it.
a wet-nche fixture rarely has a dedicated circuit, so, here's my reasoning in terms of a subpanel. it's true, any new power run must have an insulated ground conductor. however, an existing subpanel, fed by romex, is code compliant for the wet-niche circuit. seems like it's not such a critical issue.
the real safety issue is the GFCI. in the old style the protection would fail, but the circuit would stay hot, not safe. the new style is fail-safe, the circuit is not hot when the protection fails. both are code compliant.
just trying to put your question in perspective. hope this helps

 

[poolboy]

Re: swimming pool light ground wire

t-bird, Yes 680-25(b)(2) is spicific on the installation of the EGC, being(INSULATED) also min. #12,and have a snap switch or timer between the panelboard and j-box. Don't forget 680-21(a)1-5 as well. And seal the cord entrance at the j-box to prevent the Chlorine gas for corroding all your new work. Why did you use romex?? Romex can not be in conduit!! Don't forget the GFCI before the switch and test regularlly. Check out the SAM lights, they are real cool