I sure hope the TIA Bryan was talking about is coming out very soon. I don't think anyone really gave this thing any thought. It's kinda late to be debating this what with tomorrow being the deadline.

Nick....again as Alan said what do you connect that grid to since there is no metallic parts, and when used with a double insulated motor, it is not required to be incorporated into the bonding grid per 680.26(b)(4)?

There is usually always a light niche and a swimming pool light junction box. And down here we have screen cages as well.

I am with Nick. I don't really see that many double insulated pumps plus heaters, lights and metal within 5' will still need bonding.

You didn't get the question.....Alan asked, what if there is nothing metal to bond and you have a double insulated pump that doesn't require bonding? Now what do we do? Are we required to provide that equipotential grid when there is nothing there to bond to?

We are getting crazy. Our county is going to enforce the structural steel of the pool extending out 3 foot in a grid pattern as the code says, or give them the option of the alternate methods.

Alan based on the specific question you asked (nothing to bond), my answer is that no grid is required.

You do understand that if anything were to change, wet niche fixture, pool enclosure, metal parts, etc..etc..than the equipotential grid would be required.

I agree with that Mike.


The real scary thing here is that pool contractors should have been lined up out the door yesterday submitting applications...........but they were no where in sight. I wonder if they know about this change at all.

Guess not.

I understand that many jurisdictions are going to accept the 6x6 wire mesh for the equipotential grid.

The real question is what happens when the owner does swap out that pump or decides he wants a heater and the grid is not already in place.
Are they really going to rip out the pool deck to replace a pump or add a heater? I am betting, no, since they will not get a permit.

If we think it is really important, we should require it with a #8 stub available. If we think it is not important why are we doing it in the first place?

I do agree pool contractors are largely ignorant of this new rule. I have tried to explain it to a few of them and they simply do not believe me. I guess they are going to find out about it pretty soon.