NEC 680: Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations
What This Article Covers
NEC Article 680 covers swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, fountains, and similar installations. It is one of the most safety-critical articles in the NEC because water and electricity together have killed people.
Key Requirements
- GFCI protection required for receptacles within 20 ft of pool water
- Equipotential bonding grid surrounding the pool (680.26)
- Underwater luminaires must be listed for the application and supplied by GFCI
- Receptacles, switches, and luminaires must be located at minimum distances from pool water
- Listed pool pump motor disconnect within sight
Common Field Applications
- New residential pool install — bonding grid is the big one
- Spa or hot tub on a 50A GFCI breaker
- Replacing an underwater light
Common Mistakes & Inspection Failures
- Inadequate or missing equipotential bonding grid
- Using non-GFCI receptacles near pool deck
- Underwater light not on GFCI
Related NEC Articles
Have a specific question about NEC 680?
Ask Sparky AI for a plain-English answer with citation.
Ask Sparky AIFrequently Asked Questions
What does NEC 680 cover?
NEC Article 680 covers swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, fountains, and similar installations. It is one of the most safety-critical articles in the NEC because water and electricity together have killed people.
What are the key requirements of NEC 680?
Key requirements include: GFCI protection required for receptacles within 20 ft of pool water; Equipotential bonding grid surrounding the pool (680.26); Underwater luminaires must be listed for the application and supplied by GFCI. See the full requirements list on this page.
What are common mistakes with NEC 680?
Inadequate or missing equipotential bonding grid Using non-GFCI receptacles near pool deck Underwater light not on GFCI
Related Resources
Michael B.
IBEW Local 134 Journeyman Electrician · Licensed Electrical Contractor
Michael is an IBEW Local 134 journeyman and licensed electrical contractor. He teaches federal pre-apprenticeship on the south side of Chicago, helping students get into the IBEW. He built this practice test because he knows exactly what the NJATC aptitude exam tests — and what trips people up. If you prep with this, you walk in ready.