I forgot to mention one other significant difference between system grounding and equipotential bonding.

Equipotential bonding is a LIFE safety matter. There is no risk of fire, equipment damage, or structural damage from a lack of equipotentail bonding at and around a pool. It's only purpose is to protect PEOPLE from shock.

Grounding is a PROPERTY safety matter. Grounding does NOT protect people from shock or electrocution.


Also keep in mind that neither of these systems are absolute. One limits the voltage imposed (grounding), and the other reduces the potential hazard (equipotntial bonding). Neither allows for the operation of overcurrent devices, and neither protect the contents and equipment of the premise wiring system. Remmber, neither of these two systems are a component of the effective fault path.

It is interesting to note that there are likely millions of pools and structures in the US that do not have proper grounding or equipotential bonding. The current that can be present at a pool is so small that many people can feel the sensation. It is frequently called "tingle voltage" and is in the mA range. In other cases in can be fatal, if it causes you to slip and fall, or perhaps gasp for air while under water.

A lack of grounding of the system doesn't mean much either if that external surge event never occurs. Normally operating currents and fault currents do not rely on the grounding system to operate. So, if you are lucky enough to never have a lightning event, line surege, high-voltage cross-over, or some other surging event be imposed on your system, grounding does and means nothing.

Yep called topic drift.

But I think it is straight forward.
680.10 states to refer to the 680.10 table if wiring necessary for pool equipment is within the 5' distance.
So for a light niche I would say you need to maintain the 18" depth for pcv until you exceed the 5' distance.
Looks to me you can't infringe on the 5' distance for anything else but pool equipment.


Now have fun with things such as malibu lights and speaker wiring.(Would you call that pool equipment?)
If not it needs to be beyond the 5' distance.

Or another thought would be the required gfi outlet on a existing dwelling that the contractor trys to place it in a planter.In lieu of adding it on say a porch. But the feed runs less than 5' from the pool shell to get there.(is that pool equipment?)
Topic drift again.
But like you said we can't help it.

Is this fun yet?
The FBC was supposed to make a uniform code for us all. But we still have the subjective determination problem in the field.

680.10 allows wiring within 5ft of the pool under two conditions.
1. Wiring for pool associated equipment.
(See cover table 300.5 not cover table 680.10).

2. Wiring not associated with the pool where the property lines do not permit the 5ft separation.
(Table 680.10 Minimum Cover Depths).

I agree Mike but now, how do we determine what actually is pool equipment.
I don't see a definition!
Is a pool lite considered pool equipment? In my mind it does not.
It is a light fixture not equipment.

Also is the required gfi outlet pool equipment?
Looks to me like a outlet not equipment.

This was my feeble attempt to make a point of the dilemma in my prior post.
I guess I might have missed the point on a few statements but still where is some guide line on what pool equipment is. We can probably all agree a pool pump is equipment. But then what else is?

I would say that it's anything associated with the pool per article 680.

Pool lighting, pumps, heaters, pool cover motors, receptacles, etc. 680.10 comes into play when a shed (for example) in the back yard needs electric and the property line will not permit routing the wiring method beyond the 5ft.

From Mark Ode regarding depths of pvc.

Definition of equipment includes luminaires. ART 100

Paul to what does your comment apply to? Wiring methods as part of pool equipment, or other?

Pool light PVC.

Ruben,
When you refer to the "Red Barron" you really date yourself. LOL