Overview

Due to the complex nature of the National Electrical Code, inadvertent discrepancies tend to arise from cycle to cycle. Where a rule is put in place to solve one problem, it may cause confusion as to whether or not the new rule applies to installations not originally intended. Generally, when this occurs, the confusion is cleared up in a subsequent edition of the NEC. This is precisely what has occurred in Subdivision 680.9(A) in the 2023 NEC regarding overhead conductor clearances around swimming pools, fountains, and similar locations. The changes clarify an unintended application, and to specify an exclusion.

Applying the 2023 Code

In the previous edition of the NEC, Subdivision 680.9(A) specified that all overhead conductors were required to be located at a distance specified in Table 680.9(A). Due to the nature of the wording, this includes all conductors located above the swimming pool, fountain, or similar location. An unintended consequence of this wording was such that conductors installed in raceways were included in this specification. This was unintended. The 2023 NEC remedies this unintentional inclusion of conductors in raceways by now specifying “Overhead conductors and open overhead wiring not in a raceway shall comply with the minimum clearances given in Table 680.9(A).” This now excludes overhead wiring in a raceways from the minimum distance requirements. For example, if surface mounted conduits were located externally on the side of a pump building, they would have previously been subjected to the minimum distance requirements. Per the 2023 NEC, these conductors are disregarded, as they are protected from contact by the enclosing conduits.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Subdivision 680.9(A) read as follows (excluding figures):

(A) Power.

With respect to overhead conductors and open overhead wiring, swimming pool and similar installations shall comply with the minimum clearances given in Table 680.9(A) and illustrated in Figure 680.9(A).

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Subdivision 680.9(A) reads as follows (excluding figures):

(A) Power.

Overhead conductors and open overhead wiring not in a raceway shall comply with the minimum clearances given in Table 680.9(A) and illustrated in Figure 680.9(A).