Overview

With the addition of the definition of SPGFCI (special purpose ground fault circuit interrupter) in Article 100, the 2023 NEC has updated many rules to reflect this new classification. SPGFCI protection is simply GFCI protection on circuitrated over 150-volts relative to ground. Section 680.32, which covers the use of GFCIs as they pertain to storable pools, storable spas, storable hot tubs, and storable immersion pools. This section has been updated to reflect the addition of SPGFCI protection, and indicates the requirements for such equipment. This change will provide more protection options against electrical shock.

Applying the 2023 Code

Section 680.32 has previously required the use of ground fault circuit interrupters. The 2023 NEC has revised this section to not only include ground fault circuit interrupters, but special purpose ground fault circuit interrupters as well. Furthermore, it has removed the word “required” from the section heading, as this was an inconsistency in Article 680. The revision now requires all receptacles rated 125-volts through 250-volts, 60-amperes or less, and located within 20 feet of the inside walls of a storable pool, storable spa, or storable hot tub to have GFCI protection complying with 680.5(B) or SPGFCI protection complying with 680.5(C). The GFCI protection rules are for circuits operating at 150-volts or less to ground, while the SPGFCI rules are for circuits operating at over 150-volts to ground. This new addition now requires some 230-volt receptacles to be ground-fault protected, and will provide more options for protection against electrical shock.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 680.32 read as follows:

680.32 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters Required.

All electrical equipment, including power-supply cords, used with storable pools shall be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters.

All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles located within 6.0 m (20 ft) of the inside walls of a storable pool, storable spa, or storable hot tub shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter. In determining these dimensions, the distance to be measured shall be the shortest path the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, doorway with hinged or sliding door, window opening, or other effective permanent barrier.

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Section 680.32 now reads as follows:

680.32 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) and Special Purpose Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (SPGFCI) Protection.

All electrical equipment, including power-supply cords, used with storable pools shall have GFCI protection complying with 680.5(B) or SPGFCI protection complying with 680.5(C), as applicable.

All receptacles rated 125 volts through 250 volts, 60 amperes or less, located within 6.0 m (20 ft) of the inside walls of a storable pool, storable spa, or storable hot tub shall have GFCI protection complying with 680.5(B) or SPGFCI protection complying with 680.5(C), as applicable. In determining these dimensions, the distance to be measured shall be the shortest path the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, doorway with hinged or sliding door, window opening, or other effective permanent barrier.