Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to

Understanding the NEC® Requirements for

Article 680
Swimming Pools, Spas,
Hot Tubs, Fountains, and
Similar Installations
Part 2

Extracted from Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to

Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
2008 Edition

Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc.

888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) • www.MikeHolt.com • Info@MikeHolt.com
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

680.26 Equipotential Bonding.

(A) Performance. Equipotential bonding is intended to reduce
voltage gradients in the area around a permanently installed
pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub by the use of a
common bonding grid in accordance with 680.26(B) and (C).
(B) Bonded Parts. The parts of a permanently installed pool,
outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub listed in (B)(1) through (B)
(7) must be bonded together with a solid copper conduc-
tor not smaller than 8 AWG with listed pressure connectors,
terminal bars, exothermic welding, or other listed means
[250.8(A)]. Figure 680–28

Figure 680–29

Figure 680–28

Equipotential bonding is not required to extend to or be

attached to any panelboard, service equipment, or ground- Figure 680–30
ing electrode.
(1) Concrete Pool, Outdoor Spa, and Outdoor Hot Tub Shells.
(a) Structural Reinforcing Steel. Unencapsulated structural
(a) Structural Reinforcing Steel. Unencapsulated structural rein­forcing steel in concrete shells secured together by steel
rein­forcing steel in concrete shells secured together by steel tie wires [680.26(B)(1)(a)]. Figure 680–31
tie wires. Figure 680–29
(2) Perimeter Surfaces. An equipotential bonding grid must Author’s Comment: The 2008 NEC doesn’t provide any guid-
extend 3 ft horizon­tally beyond the inside walls of a pool, ance on the installation requirements for structural reinforcing
outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub, including unpaved, paved, steel when used as a perimeter equipotential bonding grid.
and poured concrete surfaces. Figure 680–30
(b) Alternate Means. Equipotential bonding conductor meet-
The bonding grid must comply with (a) or (b) and be ing all of the following requirements: Figure 680–32
at­tached to the conductive pool reinforcing steel at a mini-
(1) 8 AWG bare solid copper bonding conductor.
mum of four points uniformly spaced around the perimeter
of the walls of a pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub.

13 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

(4) Underwater Metal Forming Shells. Metal forming shells

and mounting brackets for luminaires and speakers must be
bonded to the equipotential grid.
(5) Metal Fittings. Metal fittings sized 4 in. and larger that
penetrate into the pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub
structure, such as ladders and handrails must be bonded to
the equipotential grid.
(6) Electrical Equipment. Metal parts of electrical equipment
associated with the pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub
water circulating system, such as water heaters and pump
motors and metal parts of pool covers must be bonded to
the equipotential grid. Figure 680–33

Figure 680–31

Figure 680–33

Exception: Metal parts of listed equipment incorporating an

Figure 680–32 approved system of double insulation are not required to be
bonded to the equipotential grid.

(2) The bonding conductor must follow the contour of the (a) Double-Insulated Water Pump Motors. Where a dou-
perimeter surface. ble-insulated water pump motor is installed, a solid 8 AWG
copper conductor from the bonding grid must be provided
(3) Listed splicing devices.
for a replacement motor.
(4) Bonding conductor must be 18 to 24 in. from the inside
(b) Pool Water Heaters. Pool water heaters must be grounded
walls of the pool.
and bonded in accordance with equipment instructions.
(5) Bonding conductor must be secured within or under the
(7) Metal Wiring Methods and Equipment. Metal-sheathed
perimeter surface 4 to 6 in. below the subgrade.
cables and raceways, metal piping, and all fixed metal parts
(3) Metallic Components. Metallic parts of the pool, out- must be bonded to the equipotential grid.
door spa, or outdoor hot tub structure must be bonded to
the equipotential grid.

14 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

Exception No. 1: Where separated from the pool, outdoor spa, PART III. STORABLE SWIMMING POOLS
or outdoor hot tub structure by a permanent barrier.
Exception No. 2: Where located more than 5 ft horizontally of 680.30 General. Electrical installations for storable pools
the inside walls of the pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub must also comply with Part I of Article 680.
structure.
Author’s Comment: The requirements contained in Part I of
Exception No. 3: Where located more than 12 ft measured ver- Article 680 include the locations of switches, receptacles, and
tically above the maximum water level. luminaires.
(C) Pool Water. A minimum conductive surface area of 9 sq
in. must be installed in contact with the pool, outdoor spa, or 680.31 Pumps. Cord-connected pool pumps must be
outdoor hot tub structure water. This water bond is permit- double insulated and have a means to ground the internal
ted to consist of metal parts that are required to be bonded metal parts to an equipment grounding conductor run with
in 680.26(B). Figure 680–34 the power-supply conductors in the flexible cord. The cord
must also have GFCI protection as an integral part of the
attachment plug. Figure 680–35

Figure 680–34

Figure 680–35

680.27 Specialized Equipment.

(B) Electrically Operated Covers.
680.32 GFCI-Protected Receptacles. GFCI protection
(1) Motors and Controllers. The electric motors, controllers, is required for electrical equipment used with storable pools.
and wiring for an electrically operated cover must be located Figure 680–36
not less than 5 ft from the inside wall of a permanently
The measured distance is the shortest path a supply cord
installed pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub, unless sepa-
connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing
rated by a permanent barrier.
a floor, wall, ceiling, doorway with hinged or sliding door,
(2) Wiring Methods. The electric motor and controller circuit window opening, or other effective permanent barrier.
must be GFCI protected.
Author’s Comment: This requirement mirrors the requirements
contained in 680.25(A)(5) and (6) for permanently installed
pools.

15 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

680.41 Emergency Switch for Spas and Hot Tubs. In

other than a single-family dwelling, a clearly labeled emer-
gency spa or hot tub water recirculation and jet system
shutoff must be supplied. The emergency shutoff must be
readily accessible to the users and located not less than 5 ft
away, but adjacent to and within sight of the spa or hot tub.
Figure 680–38

Figure 680–36

680.34 Receptacle Locations. Receptacles must not be

located less than 6 ft from the inside walls of a storable pool.
The receptacle distance is measured as the shortest path an
appliance cord would follow without passing through a wall,
doorway, or window. Figure 680–37
Figure 680–38

Author’s Comments:
• Either the maintenance disconnecting means required by
680.12 or a pushbutton that controls a relay located in accor-
dance with this section can be used to meet the emergency
shutoff requirement.
• The purpose of the emergency shutoff is to protect users.
Deaths and injuries have occurred in less than 3 ft of water
because individuals became stuck to the water intake open-
ing. This requirement applies to spas and hot tubs installed
indoors as well as outdoors.

680.42 Outdoor Installations. Electrical installations for

Figure 680–37 outdoor spas or hot tubs must comply with Parts I and II of
this article, except as permitted for (B) or (C).
(B) Bonding. Bonding is permitted by mounting equipment
PART IV. SPAS AND HOT TUBS to a metal frame or base. Metal bands that secure wooden
staves aren’t required to be bonded.
680.40 General. Electrical installations for spas and hot
tubs must comply with Part I as well.

16 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

(C) Interior Wiring for Outdoor Spas or Hot Tubs. Any

Chapter 3 wiring method containing a copper equipment
grounding conductor insulated or enclosed within the outer
sheath of the wiring method and not smaller than 12 AWG
is permitted in the interior of a one-family dwelling for the
connection to motor, heating, and control loads that are part
of a self-contained spa or hot tub, or a packaged spa or hot
tub equipment assembly.
Wiring to an underwater light must comply with 680.23 or
680.33.

680.43 Indoor Installations. Electrical installations for

an indoor spa or hot tub must comply with Parts I and II of
Article 680, except as modified by this section. Indoor instal-
lations of spas or hot tubs can be connected by any of the
wiring methods contained in Chapter 3. Figure 680–40
Exception: Listed packaged units rated 20A or less can be
cord-and-plug-connected. (3) Spa or Hot Tub Receptacle. Receptacles that provide
(A) Receptacles. At least one 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle power for an indoor spa or hot tub must be GFCI protected.
must be located at least 6 ft, but not more than 10 ft, from (4) Measurements. In determining the above dimensions,
the inside wall of the spa or hot tub. Figure 680–39 the distance to be measured must be the shortest path that
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 effec-
tive permanent barrier.
(B) Luminaires and Ceiling Fans.
(1) Elevation. Luminaires and ceiling fans within 5 ft, mea-
sured horizontally, from the inside walls of the indoor spa or
hot tub must be:
(a) Not less than 12 ft above an indoor spa or hot tub where
no GFCI protection is provided.
(b) Not less than 71⁄2 ft above an indoor spa or hot tub where
GFCI protection is provided.
(c) Luminaires and ceiling fans can be mounted less than 71⁄2
ft above an indoor spa or hot tub, if GFCI protection is
Figure 680–39 provided and the installation meets either of the follow-
ing requirements:
(1) Recessed luminaires with a glass or plastic lens, nonme-
(1) Location. Other receptacles must be located not less than tallic or electrically isolated metal trim, and suitable for
6 ft, measured horizontally, from the inside walls of the use in damp locations.
indoor spa or hot tub.
Author’s Comment: See the definition of “Location, Damp” in
(2) GFCI-Protected Receptacles. Receptacles rated 30A or Article 100.
less at 125V, located within 10 ft of the inside walls of an
indoor spa or hot tub, must be GFCI protected. Figure 680–40

17 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

(2) Surface-mounted luminaires with a glass or plastic globe, (E) Methods of Bonding. Metal parts associated with the spa
a nonmetallic body, or a metallic body isolated from con- or hot tub as described in 680.43(D) must be bonded by any
tact, and suitable for use in damp locations. of the following methods:
(C) Switches. Switches must be located not less than 5 ft, (1) Threaded metal piping and fittings
measured horizontally, from the inside walls of the indoor
(2) Metal-to-metal mounting to a common frame or base
spa or hot tub. Figure 680–41
(3) A solid copper conductor not smaller than 8 AWG

680.44 GFCI Protection. The outlet that supplies a self-

contained indoor spa or hot tub, a packaged spa or hot tub
equipment assembly, or a field-assembled spa or hot tub
must be GFCI protected. Because this rule applies to all out-
lets and not just receptacle outlets, a hard-wired indoor spa
or hot tub would require GFCI protection. See the definition
of “Outlet” in Article 100. Figure 680–42

Figure 680–41

(D) Bonding. The following parts of an indoor spa or hot tub

must be bonded together:
(1) Metal fittings within or attached to the indoor spa or hot
tub structure.
(2) Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the Figure 680–42
indoor spa or hot tub water circulating system.
(3) Metal raceways and metal piping within 5 ft of the inside
walls of the indoor spa or hot tub, and not separated Author’s Comment: A self-contained spa or hot tub is a fac-
from the indoor spa or hot tub by a permanent barrier. tory-fabricated unit that consists of a spa or hot tub vessel with
all water-circulating, heating, and control equipment integral to
(4) Metal surfaces within 5 ft of the inside walls of an indoor
the unit. A packaged spa or hot tub equipment assembly is a
spa or hot tub not separated from the indoor spa or hot
factory-fabricated unit that consists of water circulating, heating,
tub area by a permanent barrier.
and control equipment mounted on a common base intended to
Exception No. 1: Nonelectrical equipment, such as towel bars operate a spa or hot tub [680.2].
or mirror frames, which aren’t connected to metallic piping,
aren’t required to be bonded. (A) Listed Units. Additional GFCI protection isn’t required
for a listed self-contained spa or hot tub unit or listed pack-
Exception No. 2: Metal parts of a listed self-contained spa or
aged spa or hot tub assembly marked to indicate that inte-
hot tub.
gral GFCI protection has been provided for electrical parts
within the unit or assembly. Figure 680–43

18 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

Figure 680–43 Figure 680–44

(B) Other Units. GFCI protection isn’t required for a field- (E) Cords. The maximum length of each exposed cord in the
assembled spa or hot tub rated three-phase or that has a volt- fountain is 10 ft. Power-supply cords that extend beyond the
age rating over 250V, or has a heater load above 50A. fountain perimeter must be enclosed in a wiring enclosure
approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
(C) Combination Pool and Spa or Hot Tub. GFCI protec-
tion isn’t required for equipment that supplies a combination (F) Servicing. Equipment must be capable of being removed
pool/hot tub or spa assembly. from the water for relamping or for normal maintenance.
(G) Stability. Equipment must be inherently stable or
securely fastened in place.
PART V. FOUNTAINS 680.53 Bonding. Metal piping systems associated with the
fountain must be bonded to the circuit equipment ground-
680.50 General. The general installation requirements
ing conductor of the branch circuit that supplies the foun-
contained in Part I apply to fountains. In addition, fountains
tain equipment.
that have water common to a permanently installed pool
must comply with Part I and Part II of this article.
680.55 Methods of Equipment Grounding.
Author’s Comment: Fountain. An ornamental, display, or reflec- (B) Supplied by a Flexible Cord. Equipment supplied by a
tion pool [680.2]. flexible cord must have all exposed metal parts connected to
an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor that is
an integral part of the cord.
680.51 Luminaires, Submersible Pumps, and Other
Submersible Equipment.
680.56 Cord-and-Plug-Connected Equipment.
(A) GFCI Protection for Fountain Equipment. The branch cir-
(A) GFCI Protection of Cord-and-Plug Equipment. Cord-
cuit that supplies luminaires, submersible pumps, and other
and-plug-connected fountain equipment must be GFCI
submersible equipment must be GFCI protected, unless the
protected.
equipment is listed for not more than 15V and is supplied by
a listed pool transformer that complies with 680.23(A)(2). (B) Cord Type. Flexible cords immersed in or exposed to
water must be of the hard-service type, as designated in Table
(C) Luminaire Lenses. Luminaires must be installed so the
400.4, and must be marked “Water-Resistant.”
top of the luminaire lens is below the normal water level
unless listed for above-water use. Figure 680–44

19 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

680.57 Signs in or Adjacent to Fountains. PART VII. HYDROMASSAGE BATHTUBS

(B) GFCI Protection of Sign Equipment. Each circuit that
supplies a sign installed within a fountain, or within 10 ft
680.70 General. A hydromassage bathtub is only required
to comply with the requirements of Part VII; it’s not required
of the fountain edge, must be GFCI protected [680.57(A)].
to comply with the other parts of this article.
Figure 680–45
Author’s Comment: Hydromassage Bathtub. A permanently
installed bathtub with a recirculating piping system designed to
accept, circulate, and discharge water after each use [680.2].

680.71 GFCI Protection. Hydromassage bathtubs and

their associated electrical components must be on an indi-
vidual branch circuit protected by a readily accessible GFCI.
In addition, GFCI protection is required for all receptacles
rated 30A or less at 125V located within 6 ft of the inside
walls of a hydromassage bathtub. Figure 680–47

Figure 680–45

680.58 GFCI-Protected Receptacles. GFCI protection

is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V through 250V recep-
tacles located within 20 ft of the inside walls of a fountain.
Figure 680–46

Figure 680–47

Author’s Comment: The circuit for a hydromassage bathtub

must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions included in the listing and labeling, which will typically
include amperage requirements and may require separate cir-
cuits for the pump and heater [110.3(B)].

680.72 Other Electrical Equipment. Luminaires,

switches, receptacles, and other electrical equipment located
in the same room and not directly associated with a hydro-
massage bathtub must be installed in accordance with Chap-
Figure 680–46 ters 1 through 4.

20 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fountains, and Similar Installations

Author’s Comment: A hydromassage bathtub is treated like a 680.73 Accessibility. Electrical equipment for hydromas-
regular bathtub. For example, a 5 ft clearance isn’t required for sage bathtubs must be capable of being removed or exposed
switches or receptacles, and the fixtures must be installed in without damaging the building structure or finish.
accordance with 410.4(D). Figure 680−48
680.74 Equipotential Bonding. If the building contains
a metal piping system, it must be bonded, with a solid copper
conductor not smaller than 8 AWG, to the circulating pump
if it’s not double insulated.
The equipotential hydromassage bonding jumper is not
required to be bonded to any remote panelboard, service
equipment, or electrode. Figure 680–49

Figure 680–48

Figure 680–49

21 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Practice Questions

680
ARTICLE

Practice Questions
ARTICLE 680. SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, 6. Circuits rated 15A or 20A, 125V or 250V supplying pool
pump motors for a permanently installed pool shall be
HOT TUBS, FOUNTAINS, AND SIMILAR
_____ whether the pump is cord-and-plug-connected or
INSTALLATIONS—PRACTICE QUESTIONS direct connected.
1. A spa or hot tub is a hydromassage pool or tub and is (a) AFCI protected
not designed to have the contents drained or discharged (b) GFCI protected
after each use. (c) a or b
(a) True (d) a and b
(b) False 7. A pool transformer used for the supply of underwater
2. Insulated overhead utility service conductors that are luminaires, together with the transformer enclosure,
cabled together with a bare messenger and operate at not shall _____.
over 750 volts-to-ground shall maintain a _____ clear- (a) be of the isolated-winding type with an ungrounded
ance in any direction to the water level. secondary
(a) 14 ft (b) have a grounded metal barrier between the primary
(b) 16 ft and secondary windings
(c) 20 ft (c) be listed for the purpose
(d) 22½ ft (d) all of these

3. All electric pool water heaters shall have the heating 8. When PVC conduit extends from the pool light forming
elements not exceed _____. shell to a pool junction box, an 8 AWG _____ conductor
shall be installed in the raceway.
(a) 20A
(b) 35A (a) solid bare
(c) 48A (b) solid insulated
(d) 60A (c) stranded insulated
(d) b or c
4. Electric swimming pool equipment can be installed in
pits where drainage adequately prevents water accumula- 9. EMT where installed on buildings, is permitted to
tion during abnormal operation. contain branch-circuit wiring for underwater pool
luminaires.
(a) True
(b) False (a) True
(b) False
5. Grounding-type GFCI-protected receptacles of the
single and locking type for motors related to the circula- 10. The junction box connected to a conduit that extends
tion and sanitation system of a pool can be located not to the forming shell of the luminaire that operates at
less than _____ from the inside walls of the pool. over 15V shall be located not less than _____ above the
ground level or pool deck.
(a) 3 ft
(b) 6 ft (a) 4 in.
(c) 8 ft (b) 6 in.
(d) 12 ft (c) 8 in.
(d) 12 in.

22 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Practice Questions

11. The enclosure for a transformer or ground-fault circuit 18. Surface-mounted luminaires _____ located over or
interrupter connected to a conduit that extends directly within 5 ft, measured horizontally, from the inside walls
to a pool light forming shell shall be _____ for this of an indoor spa or hot tub can be installed at less than
purpose. 7 ft 6 in. above the maximum water level when GFCI
protected.
(a) labeled
(b) listed (a) with a glass or plastic globe
(c) approved (b) with a nonmetallic body or a metallic body isolated
(d) a and b from contact
(c) suitable for use in a damp location
12. The feeder to a swimming pool panelboard at a separate
(d) all of these
building or structure can be supplied with any Chapter 3
wiring method provided the feeder has a separate insu- 19. Metal raceways and metal piping within _____ of the
lated copper equipment grounding conductor. inside walls of an indoor spa or hot tub, and not sepa-
rated from the indoor spa or hot tub by a permanent
(a) True
barrier, shall be bonded.
(b) False
(a) 4 ft
13. The pool structure, including the reinforcing metal of
(b) 5 ft
the pool shell and deck, shall be bonded together.
(c) 7 ft
(a) True (d) 12 ft
(b) False
20. The branch circuit supplying submersible fountain
14. The electric motors, controllers, and wiring for an elec- equipment shall be _____, unless the equipment is listed
trically operated pool cover shall be _____. for operation at not more than 15V.
(a) located at least 5 ft from the inside wall of the pool (a) 240V
(b) separated from the pool by a permanent barrier (b) GFCI protected
(c) a and b (c) a and b
(d) a or b (d) none of these
15. Electric equipment, including power-supply cords, used 21. Metal piping systems associated with a fountain shall be
with storable pools shall be _____. bonded to the equipment grounding conductor of the
_____.
(a) AFCI protected
(b) GFCI protected (a) branch circuit supplying the fountain
(c) a or b (b) bonding grid
(d) none of these (c) equipotential plane
(d) grounding electrode system
16. Listed packaged spa or hot tub equipment assemblies,
or self-contained spas or hot tubs installed outdoors, are 22. Flexible cords immersed in or exposed to water in a
permitted to have flexible connections using _____. fountain shall be _____.
(a) LFMC or LFNC in lengths of not more than 6 ft (a) extra-hard usage type
(b) cords not longer than 15 ft, where GFCI protected (b) listed with a “W” suffix
(c) a or b (c) encased in not less than 2 in. of concrete
(d) none of these (d) a and b
17. Receptacles rated 30A or less, 125V within 10 ft of the
inside walls of an indoor spa or hot tub, shall be _____.
(a) GFCI protected
(b) AFCI protected
(c) a or b
(d) none of these

23 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
 Article 680 Practice Questions

23. All 15A and 20A, single-phase, 125V through 250V 24. Hydromassage bathtub electrical equipment shall be
receptacles located within _____ of a fountain edge shall _____ without damaging the building structure or
have GFCI protection. building finish.
(a) 8 ft (a) readily accessible
(b) 10 ft (b) accessible
(c) 15 ft (c) within sight
(d) 20 ft (d) none of these

680
ARTICLE

Answer Key
1. (a) 680.2, Spa or Hot Tub
2. (d) 680.8 Table
3. (c) 680.9
4. (a) 680.11
5. (b) 680.22(A)(1)
6. (b) 680.22(B)
7. (d) 680.23(A)(2)
8. (d) 680.23(B)(2)(b)
9. (a) 680.23(F)(1)
10. (a) 680.24(A)(2)(a)
11. (d) 680.24(B)(1)
12. (b) 680.25(A)
13. (a) 680.26(B)(1)
14. (d) 680.27(B)(1)
15. (b) 680.32
16. (c) 680.42(A)(1) and (2)
17. (a) 680.43(A)(2)
18. (d) 680.43(B)(1)(c)(2)
19. (b) 680.43(D)(3)
20. (b) 680.51(A)
21. (a) 680.53
22. (d) 680.56(B)
23. (d) 680.58
24. (b) 680.73

24 Mike Holt’s Illustrated Guide to Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2