Grounding and Bonding for Pools and Spas in the 2023 NEC (new)

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Understanding Grounding and Bonding for Pools and Spas in the 2023 NEC (new)​

Grounding and bonding are critical aspects of electrical safety, particularly for pools and spas where the presence of water significantly increases the risk of electrical hazards. The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduces updated guidelines in Section 680.7, which addresses the specific requirements for grounding and bonding in these environments. This article breaks down these requirements to make them easy to understand and apply.

(A) Feeders and Branch Circuits​

For pools and spas, feeders and branch circuits installed in corrosive environments or wet locations must include an Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC). This EGC should be an insulated copper conductor and must be sized according to Table 250.122, but it should not be smaller than 12 AWG.

Additionally, if the feeder is in a non-corrosive environment, the EGC can be made of aluminum. When a panelboard is supplied by a separately derived system, such as a transformer, the EGC rules apply only to the feeder between the separately derived system (e.g., the transformer's secondary conductors) and the panelboard. These rules do not apply to feeder conductors on the supply side of the separately derived source. Moreover, in corrosive environments, the feeder must be installed in a raceway as specified in 680.14.

(B) Cord-and-Plug Connections​

For pools and spas, the flexible cord used in cord-and-plug connections must also contain an EGC that is an insulated copper conductor, sized according to Table 250.122, and no smaller than 12 AWG. The flexible cord should terminate in a grounding-type attachment plug that has a fixed grounding contact member. This ensures a secure and reliable grounding connection, which is essential for maintaining electrical safety in pool and spa environments.

(C) Terminals​

Terminals used for bonding and equipment grounding in damp or wet locations, or corrosive environments, must be specifically identified for use in these conditions. Field-installed terminals in such environments should be made of copper, copper alloy, or stainless steel and must be listed for direct burial use. This ensures that the terminals remain effective and corrosion-resistant, maintaining the integrity of the grounding system over time.

Key Takeaways for Pool and Spa Safety​

1. EGC Requirements: Always use an insulated copper conductor for EGC in wet or corrosive environments, sized according to Table 250.122 and not smaller than 12 AWG.
2. Aluminum Conductors: In non-corrosive environments, aluminum conductors can be used for the EGC.
3. Separately Derived Systems: EGC rules for panelboards supplied by separately derived systems apply only to the feeder between the system and the panelboard.
4. Raceways in Corrosive Environments: Feeders in corrosive environments must be installed in a raceway as per 680.14.
5. Grounding-Type Plugs: Ensure flexible cords for cord-and-plug connections have a grounding-type attachment plug with a fixed grounding contact member.
6. Durable Terminals: Use copper, copper alloy, or stainless steel terminals for grounding in wet or corrosive environments, and ensure they are listed for direct burial.