Overview

It is a well-established fact that water and electricity do not mix. This becomes a challenge when working with swimming pools, as many electrical items are associated with swimming pools, such as electric pumps, heaters, lights, lifts, and filters. To ensure the safety of personnel, and the patrons of the swimming pool, GFCI protection is required in a large number of locations associated with swimming pools, and other similar locations. The 2023 NEC has updated Section 680.5, which covers general GFCI protection for swimming pools, fountains, and similar locations. These updated rules enhance safety, and help to prevent the risk of electric shock.

Applying the 2023 Code

Section 680.5 in the 2023 NEC has been revised to not only include the previous requirements, but now also include additional requirements. Not only does 680.5 cover the general requirements for ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) associated with swimming pools, fountains, and similar locations, but it now also covers special purpose ground fault circuit interrupters (SPGFCI) for the same areas. The difference between GFCI and SPGFCI protection is that GFCI protection is for circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground, whereas SPGFCI protection is used on circuits rated over 150 volts to ground. Section 680.5 has now been split into three subdivisions. Subdivision (A) declare that these rules are in addition to those in Section 210.8. Subdivision (B) requires Class A GFCI protection for single- and three-phase circuits rated 150-volts, and 60-amperes or less. Subdivision (C) requires SPGFCI protection for circuits rated above 150-volts, but less than 480-volts, and a trip setting of not greater than 20mA.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 680.5 read as follows:

680.5 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters.

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) shall be self-contained units, circuit-breaker or receptacle types, or other listed types. The GFCI requirements in this article, unless otherwise noted, are in addition to the requirements in 210.8.

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Section 680.5 reads as follows (excluding informational notes):

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

(A) General.

The GFCI and SPGFCI requirements in this article, unless otherwise noted, are in addition to the requirements in 210.8.

(B) 150 Volts or Less to Ground.

Where required in this article, ground-fault protection of receptacles and outlets on branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase, shall be provided with a Class A GFCI.

Exception: Receptacles and outlets that are part of listed equipment with ratings not exceeding the low-voltage contact limit that are supplied by listed transformers or power supplies that comply with 680.23(A)(2) shall not be required to be provided with ground-fault protection.

(C) Above 150 Volts to Ground.

Where required in this article, ground-fault protection of receptacles and outlets on branch circuits operating at voltages above 150 volts to ground, not exceeding 480 volts phase-to-phase, single- or 3-phase, shall be provided with SPGFCI protection not to exceed 20-mA ground-fault trip current.