Overview

Pool equipment rooms, vaults, and pits lay harbor to some unique hazards. One such hazard is the

danger of flooding. Should a pipe leak or burst, or a seal fail, it is entirely possible that the area surrounding the equipment could become submerged in water. Most of the equipment in these areas is not listed for submersion and therefore would become damaged if subjected to submersion. The 2023 NEC addresses this possibility and sets forth revised requirements for such spaces in Section 680.12. Furthermore, additional rules have been added in this same section regarding GFCI protection for personnel.

Applying the 2023 Code

Section 680.12 in the 2023 NEC has been revised. This section contains the requirements for equipment rooms, vaults, and pits. Previously, this section only contained a single paragraph prohibiting electrical equipment from being installed in room or pit absent of drainage to prevent accumulation of water under normal operating conditions. In the 2023, this section has been split into two subdivisions. Subdivision (A) prohibits electrical equipment from being installed in rooms, vaults, or pits that do not have drainage to prevent accumulation of water under normal operating conditions/maintenance, unless the equipment is listed for submersion. Subdivision (B) includes two new additions. First, it requires a 15- or 20-ampere 125-volt receptacle to be located in the equipment room for general maintenance use. Secondly, it requires that all additional receptacles fed by a branch circuit rated 150-volts to ground or less to be GFCI protected.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 680.12 read as follows (excluding the informational note):

680.12 Equipment Rooms and Pits.

Electrical equipment shall not be installed in rooms or pits that do not have drainage that prevents water accumulation during normal operation or filter maintenance. Equipment shall be suitable for the environment in accordance with 300.6.

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Section 680.12 reads as follows (excluding the informational note):

680.12 Equipment Rooms, Vaults, and Pits.

(A) Drainage.

Electrical equipment shall not be installed in rooms, vaults, or pits that do not have drainage that prevents water accumulation during normal operation or maintenance unless the equipment is rated and identified for submersion.

(B) Receptacles.

At least one GFCI-protected 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle supplied from a general purpose branch circuit shall be located within an equipment room. All other receptacles supplied by branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground within an equipment room and any receptacles supplied by a branch circuit rated 150 volts or less to ground in a vault or pit shall be GFCI protected.