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#3309 - 12/05/06 07:25 PM
Re: 680.26 Bonding Methods
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Post-A-Holic Member
Registered: 11/08/01
Posts: 1451
Loc: West Palm Beach
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This is kind of strange because last week I had to instruct an entire jurisdiction on this and how to do this. The plans examiners wanted answers as they will get asked questions all day about this subject. I told them something very similar, if not exactly what Bryan has just said. Read the wording in the code again:
(C) Equipotential Bonding Grid. The parts specified in 680.26(B) shall be connected to an equipotential bonding grid with a solid copper conductor, insulated, covered, or bare, not smaller than 8 AWG or rigid metal conduit of brass or other identified corrosion-resistant metal conduit. Connection shall be made by exothermic welding or by listed pressure connectors or clamps that are labeled as being suitable for the purpose and are of stainless steel, brass, copper, or copper alloy. The equipotential common bonding grid shall extend under paved walking surfaces for 1 m (3 ft) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool and shall be permitted to be any of the following:
(1) Structural Reinforcing Steel. The structural reinforcing steel of a concrete pool
where the reinforcing rods are bonded together by the usual steel tie wires or the equivalent
The code is "admitting" that the grid is held together by the little steel twisty ties. THAT is what is making the contact between the structural bars and forming the grid.
I instructed the plans examiners to make sure that ALL of the STRUCTURAL REINFORCING STEEL needs to be left extended such that 3' of the STRUCTURAL REINFORCING STEEL can be bent outward into the deck. Then mesh would be added (EQUIVALENT to the steel twisty ties, in my opinion) to form a 3' grid around the pool.
The #8 would have to be clamped to the STRUCTURAL steel to ensure a good connection, in my opinion.
So there's the grid.
Comments please.
_________________________
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#3367 - 12/20/06 09:45 AM
Re: 680.26 Bonding Methods
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Post-A-Holic Member
Registered: 11/08/01
Posts: 1451
Loc: West Palm Beach
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After much deliberation and thinking up ways around this code, the only thing that I can think up now is to comply with the code as written. So this is my final "analysis" on this subject: 2005 NEC 680.26(5)(C): The 2005 National Electrical Code and the Florida Building Code 2006 revisions have been adopted by the State of Florida and are in effect beginning Friday, December 8, 2006. All permits for pools after this date are subject to the new 2005 NEC requirement for a 3-foot wide, equipotential bonding grid under the pool deck. Paved surfaces shall include but not be limited to: concrete, tile, brick pavers, brick, marble, terrazzo, flat stone, or any other hard masonry like surface whether poured in place, grouted in place or bedded in sand. Paved surfaces covered with sealer, paint, protective coatings, carpet, etc., remain a paved surface and require the equipotential bonding plane. Non-paved surfaces are grass, loose stone and gravel, wood or composite decking, and do not require the equipotential bonding plane. There are two material options for construction. The use of structural steel rods, or #8 AWG bare solid copper conductor. There is no minimum size specified for the steel rods. The code specifies "reinforcing rods" thereby excluding wire mesh as the means for the bonding grid material. Wire mesh may be used as a means of concrete deck reinforcement, however the boning grid around the pool is required to be made of steel rods. Reinforcing steel use is limited to being installed in poured concrete. Solid copper wire is required where the grid is buried in the sand/soil under a brick or paver deck type of surface. The #8 AWG copper wire grid shall be arranged in a 12 inch by 12 inch network of conductors in a uniformly spaced perpendicular grid pattern. Grids fabricated out of steel rods shall be tied together at every cross point by the usual steel wire ties. Grids fabricated out of copper conductors shall be terminated at each crossing by exothermic welding, listed pressure connectors, listed clamps, or other listed means. The vertical steel rods from the pool shall not be field bent or made continuous with the deck steel, except as shown on the construction documents or permitted by the registered design professional (see FBC 1907.3.2). Happy Enforcement! 
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#3374 - 12/27/06 02:57 PM
Re: 680.26 Bonding Methods
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Secretary
Registered: 10/05/04
Posts: 1622
Loc: City of North Port
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Here is how the 2008 NEC section will be reworded. I know it doesn't apply to the 2005 NEC, but can be used as guidance for 2005 interpretation. Notice the last statement made by the panel regarding WELDED WIRE MESH: Panel Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Revise as follows:
680.26 Equipotential Bonding.
(A) Performance. The equipotential bonding required by this section shall be installed to reduce voltage gradients in
the pool area.
(B) Bonded Parts. The parts specified in 680.26(B)(1) through (B)(7) shall be bonded together using solid copper conductors, insulated covered , or bare, not smaller than 8 AWG or with rigid metal conduit of brass or other identified corrosion-resistant metal. Connections to bonded parts shall be made in accordance with 250. 8. An 8 AWG or larger solid copper bonding conductor provided to reduce voltage gradients in the pool area shall not be required to be extended or attached to any remote panelboard , to service equipment, or electrodes.
(1) Conductive Pool Shells. Bonding to conductive pool shells shall be provided as specified in 680. 26(B)(1)(a) or 680.26(B)(1)(b). Poured concrete, pneumatically applied or sprayed concrete, and concrete block with painted or plastered coatings shall all be considered conductive materials due to water permeability and porosity. Vinyl liners
and fiberglass composite shells ar shall be considered to be non-conductive materials.
a. Structural Reinforcing Steel. Unencapsulated structural reinforcing steel shall be bonded together by steel tie wires or the equivalent. Where structural reinforcing steel. encapsulated in a nonconductive compound, a copper conductor arid shall be installed in accordance with;- 680.26(B)(1)(b).
b. Copper Conductor Grid. A copper conductor grid shall be provided and shall comply with the following conditions:
(1) Be constructed of minimum 8 AWG bare solid copper conductors bonded to each other at all points of
crossing.
(2) Conform to the contour of the pool and the pool deck.
(3) Be arranged in a 300 mm (12 in. ) by 300 mm (12 in.) network of conductors in a uniformly spaced
perpendicular grid pattern with a tolerance of 100 mm (4 in.)
(4) Be secured within or under the pool no more than 150 mm (6 in.) from the outer contour of the pool shell.
(2) Perimeter Surfaces. The perimeter surface 2b extends for 1 m (3 ft) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool:- and shall includes unpaved surfaces as well as poured concrete and other types of paving. Bonding to perimeter surfaces shall provided as specified in 680. 26(B)(2)(a) or 680.26(B)(2)(b), and shall be attached to the pool reinforcing steel or copper conductor grid at a minimum of four (4) points uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the pool. For non-conductive pool shells , bonding at four points shall not be required.
(a) Structural Reinforcing Steel. Structural reinforcing steel shall be bonded In accordance with 680.26 (B)(1)(a).
(b) Alternate Means. Where structural reinforcing steel is not available or is encapsulated in a nonconductive compound, copper conductor shall be utilized where the following conditions are met:
(1) At least one minimum 8 AWG bare solid copper conductors shall be provided.
(2) The conductor(sl shall follow the contour of the perimeter surface.
(3) Onlv listed splices shall be permitted.
(4) The required conductor shall be 450 to 600 mm (18 to 24 in.) from the inside walls of
the pool.
(5) The required conductor shall be secured within or under the perimeter surface 100 to 150 mm (4 to 6 in.) below
the subgrade.
(3) Metallc Components. All metallc parts of the pool structure , including reinforcing metal not addressed in 680.26(1)(a), shall be bonded. Where reinforcing steel is encapsulated with a nonconductive compound the reinforcinq steel shall not be required to be bonded.
(4) Underwater Lighting. All metal forming shells and mounting brackets of no-niche luminaires shall be bonded.
Exception: Listed low-voltage lighting systems with nonmetallic forming shells shall not requirejr bonding.
(5) Metal Fittings. All metal fittings within or attached to the pool structure shall be bonded. Isolated parts that are not over 100 mm (4 in.) in any dimension and do not penetrate into the pool structure more than 25 mm (1 in. ) shall not require bonding.
(6) Electrical Equipment. Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the pool water circulating system including pump motors and metal parts of equipment associated with pool covers , including electric motors, shall be bonded.
Exception: Metal parts of listed equipment incorporating an approved system of double insulation shall not be bonded.
(a) Double-Insulated Water Pump Motors. Where a double-insulated water-pump motor is installed under the provisions of this rule , a solid 8 AWG copper conductor tt of sufficient length to make a bonding connection to a replacement motor shall be extended from the bonding grid to an accessible point in the mo vicinity of the pool pump motor. Where there is no connection between the swimming pool bonding grid and the equipment grounding system for the premises , this bonding conductor shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor of the motor circuit.
(b) Pool Water Heaters. For pool water heaters rated at more than 50 amperes and having specific instructions regarding bonding and grounding, only those parts designated to be bonded shall be bonded and only those parts designated to be grounded shall be grounded.
(7) Metal Wiring Methods and Equipment. Metal-sheathed cables and raceways , metal piping, and all fixed metal parts shall be bonded.
Exception No. 1: Those separated from the pool by a permanent barrier shall not be reauired to be bonded.
Exception NO. 2: Those greater than (5 ft) horizontally of the inside walls of the pool shall not be reauired to be bonded.
Exception No. 3: Those greater than (12 ft) measured vertically above the maximum water level of the pool, or as measured vertically above any observation stands, towers, or platforms, or any diving structures shall not be required to be bonded.
Panel Statement: The revised text more clearly presents the requirements and meets the intent of the submitter.
The panel has removed the word " (rebar)" from 680.26(B)(1)a to clarify that welded wire mesh can be included in the term "structural reinforcing steel" where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
_________________________
Bryan P. Holland, MCP
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#3392 - 01/05/07 08:20 AM
Re: 680.26 Bonding Methods
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Apprentice Member
Registered: 12/09/06
Posts: 15
Loc: Oviedo, Florida
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I agree with all of you. For a binding interpretation there must be someone who does not agree with the Building Officials interpretation and they must submit for the binding interpretation as outlined in FAC 9B-3.055 and submit it electronically through this link binding interpretations FAC 9B-3.055
Binding Interpretations of the Florida Building Code, Forms Adopted.
(1) Petitions for binding interpretations of the Florida Building Code shall be made through the Building Code Information
System on the Internet in accordance with the provisions of Section 553.775, F.S.
(2) A fee of $250 shall be paid by petitioner by credit card or electronic check upon such submission to cover processing costs.
(3) The following form is adopted for use in conjunction with issuance of a binding interpretation: Florida Building
Commission, Petition for Binding Interpretation, Form No. 9B-3.055(1), November, 2005 (electronic version).
(4) The petitioner shall print two (2) completed petitions for submittal to the enforcement agency that rendered the decision
that is the subject of the petition. The enforcement agency shall stamp each of the petitions submitted with the time and date of
receipt, retain one copy and return one to the petitioner, who shall retain the stamped petition for submittal in the event that receipt
of the petition or the time thereof become material to the dispute.
(5) Within 5 working days after receipt, the local building official shall respond to the petition through the Building Code
Information System, or in writing, including statements 1) admitting or denying the statements contained in the petition, 2) of the
interpretation of the provisions of the Florida Building Code deemed correct by the local building official or jurisdiction, and 3)
containing the basis for the interpretation, and shall return the petition with his or her response to the petitioner. The petitioner may
file the petition with the Commission at any time after it is returned to him or her, or after 10 days if the local building official has
not responded. The Commission shall immediately publish the petition online on the Building Code Information System, accept
online comments from interested parties for a period of seven calendar days, and provide copies of the petition to a panel. The panel
shall conduct proceedings as necessary to resolve the issue, considering the petitioner’s arguments, the building official’s response
and comments made on the petition, and shall issue an interpretation within 21 days of the petition’s submittal, based either on code
language or the intent of the code. The 21 days may be waived only upon consent of all parties. The interpretation shall be provided
to the Commission, which shall post it online on the Building Code Information System and in the Florida Administrative Weekly.
The interpretation shall be binding to all parties and all jurisdictions subject to the code unless it is superseded by a declaratory
statement issued by the Florida Building Commission or by a final order entered after an appeal proceeding conducted. Appeals to
interpretations shall be filed within 30 days of issuance of an interpretation and shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 120,
F.S., and the uniform rules of procedure.
(6) The interpretation rendered by the panel of building code administrators shall become final upon the earlier of the
resolution of any appeal of that interpretation before the Florida Building Commission or the expiration of the time period in which
to initiate such appeal.
Specific Authority 553.775 FS. Law Implemented 553.775(3)(c) FS. History–New 2-28-06.
_________________________
Rob Reading CBO,MCP
Plans Examiner
City of Oviedo
P. 407-971-5767
rreading@cityofoviedo.net
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#3423 - 01/16/07 11:46 PM
Re: 680.26 Bonding Methods
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Post-A-Holic Member
Registered: 11/08/01
Posts: 1451
Loc: West Palm Beach
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The consensus was that the scope of the NEC does not cover nor specify how structural reinforcing is to be installed at a pool deck.[/QB] It really isn't then intent, nor a prescriptive requirement of the code to install structural steel exclusively for the purposes of creating a bonding grid. This again is not the scope of the NEC. If the design professional wishes to add structural steel to the deck, and specifies wire mesh, it is left up to the individual AHJ to determine if that wire mesh is suitable for the use as the bonding grid material.[/QB]
But the code specifies "rods" for 680.26(C)1
[QUOTE]At the end of the discussion, it was agreed that bonding of the perimeter surfaces could be performed in a method as described in the 2008 if acceptable to the AHJ per 90.4 even though it is not specifically adopted at the time of the deck installation. [/QB] 90.4 is exactly what we don't need now. 553.72 Intent.-- (1) The purpose and intent of this act is to provide a mechanism for the uniform adoption, updating, amendment, interpretation, and enforcement of a single, unified state building code, to be called the Florida Building Code, which consists of a single set of documents that apply to the design, construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, or demolition of public or private buildings, structures, or facilities in this state and to the enforcement of such requirements and which will allow effective and reasonable protection for public safety, health, and general welfare for all the people of Florida at the most reasonable cost to the consumer. The Florida Building Code shall be organized to provide consistency and simplicity of use. The Florida Building Code shall be applied, administered, and enforced uniformly and consistently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Decide ye must... whom ye shall serve, ye who be at the crossroads... -Yoda
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#3426 - 01/17/07 09:07 AM
Re: 680.26 Bonding Methods
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Post-A-Holic Member
Registered: 11/08/01
Posts: 1451
Loc: West Palm Beach
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No it is not Mike. Where has the Bryan Holland that we know gone to? He knows that we can't go by "what ifs" in the next code cycle. From what I heard, the 2008 is going to stay THE SAME except for the bonding of the pool water. But putting that aside... Given a code change of significant proportion (but not nearly impossible) everyone is dealing with the politics rather than a way to just comply. Stay out of the politics! Mesh is unacceptable and opens a Pandora's box. First off, pool contractors often don't chair up the mesh properly. They also seldom "pull" up the mesh during a pour. If the mesh lays on the bottom of the concrete, it will deteriorate and then so will the bonding grid. If this happens there could be different gradients at different locations in the deck! Steel rods have a prescribed overlap. The lap makes the rod "continuous". What is the prescribed overlap for mesh, in order to achieve acceptable and uniform equipotential bonding? Where is the test data on this? How does the mesh connect together? Twisty ties? Do you really think the pool companies will sinch up those twisty ties tight with the mesh? Will the inspector who red tags this issue get called into the B.O.'s office (assume B.O. typical with no electrical background) only to be told that "he/she is being to "hard" on the pool contractor?" What is the effect of chlorine on the mesh, if any? Where is the test data to back that up? What end product does this provide to the consumer, by using this "alternate" method (that ISN'T the alternate method described in the NEC)? When a code specifically gives you an alternate method, how can someone come up with their own alternate method at that point? God forbid if there is some accident where the person gets shocked or worse, and one of these alternate-to-the-alternate "mesh" bonding grids are under the deck. If we should err, should it not be on the side of safety? At times some describe me as pig-headed. Even if that is true, don't I deserve better protection than a pig, cow, or horse? A group of people sent me an informal interpretation on this very issue. I read it over and over again, and I can't find anything I can disagree with. There are no politics in this informal interpretation, just hard, cold, facts: Swimming Pool Equipotential Bonding 
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#3430 - 01/17/07 11:17 PM
Re: 680.26 Bonding Methods
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Post-A-Holic Member
Registered: 11/08/01
Posts: 1451
Loc: West Palm Beach
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APSP Files Request for “Formal Interpretation” of the NEC Equipotential Bonding Grid Alexandria VA (February 23, 2005) -- The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) Technical Committee has reviewed the history, wording, and subsequent interpretations of Article 680.26(c) Equipotential Bonding, as published in the 2005 National Electric Code (NEC). The APSP has learned that there are significant differences in the actual code wording versus the interpretations found in the NEC handbook and additional private industry publications. The APSP Technical Committee Chair, Lee West, sits on the NEC Panel (17) that drafted the new code and is clear on the original intent of the new language. The specific conflict of interpretation pertains to the apparent requirement for an equipotential bonding grid to "cover the contour of the pool and the pool deck." Based upon certain interpretations by Building Code Officials, there have been reports of "Red Tagged" vinyl-lined pools, fiberglass composite pools, and spas. The original intent of the new code language was to provide for a grounding plane extending horizontally three feet out from the pool perimeter. This would be typically accomplished with bonded conductive rebar found in the pool deck. In pool decks that use fiber mesh, pavers, stone, or other non-conductive material, several alternatives are offered to achieve this 3-foot-perimeter grounding plane. As a result, the APSP has submitted a request for a Formal Interpretation (FI) from the NEC. The APSP recommends that Building Code Officials and Pool Builders obtain and follow the actual code Article 680.26(c) and disregard the confusing interpretations until the FI is published. The APSP understands the urgency of the situation and will communicate the FI results immediately upon completion. Association of Pool and Spa Professionals
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Registered: 02/02/07
Posts: 0
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for the 6x6 mesh (per code) and "probably" it will be sufficient to eliminate gradients for a poured deck. But it will not hold up with a paver deck.
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