NEC 2017 Article 680 - Swimming Pools, Fountains

Ground all electrical equipment within 5 ft of the pool

We check that electrical equipment near the pool is properly grounded.

Must be: Any electrical equipment within 5 feet of the pool's inside wall must be grounded.

If it fails: Have a licensed electrician add proper grounding to equipment within 5 feet of the pool.

NEC (2017) 680.6(2)

Ground junction boxes, transformers, GFCIs, and associated panelboards

We check that the pool's electrical boxes, transformers, and panels are grounded.

Must be: Junction boxes, transformers, GFCI devices, and panelboards serving the pool must all be properly grounded.

If it fails: Have an electrician verify and correct grounding on these components.

NEC (2017) 680.6(1),(4)-(7)

Field-installed grounding/bonding connections must resist corrosion

We check the material of the grounding and bonding connections in wet areas near the pool.

Must be: Grounding connections in damp or wet spots must be copper, copper alloy, or stainless steel, and rated for direct burial.

If it fails: Replace corroded or non-rated connectors with copper, copper alloy, or stainless steel ones rated for burial.

NEC (2017) 680.7

Cord-and-plug pool equipment cord length capped at 3 ft

We check the length of the power cord on any plug-in pool equipment.

Must be: A cord on fixed pool equipment, other than underwater lights, can be no longer than 3 feet.

If it fails: Replace an oversized cord with one that's 3 feet or shorter, or have the equipment hardwired instead.

NEC (2017) 680.8(A)

Cord-and-plug pool equipment grounding conductor minimum 12 AWG

We check the size of the grounding wire inside the power cord on plug-in pool equipment.

Must be: The cord's grounding wire must be at least 12 AWG copper and end in a grounded plug.

NEC (2017) 680.8(B)

Overhead power line clearance over pool water/diving platform: 22.5 ft minimum

We check the height of any power lines passing over the pool or diving area.

Must be: Overhead power lines must clear the water surface or diving platform by at least 22.5 feet in every direction.

If it fails: Contact the utility company to relocate or raise power lines that don't meet this clearance.

NEC (2017) Table 680.9(A) Row A

Overhead line clearance to observation stand/diving platform: 14.5 ft

We check the clearance from overhead power lines to any diving platform or observation stand.

Must be: Power lines must clear a diving platform or observation stand by at least 14.5 feet in any direction.

If it fails: Have the utility company raise or reroute lines that pass too close to the platform.

NEC (2017) Table 680.9(A) Row B

Overhead line horizontal clearance measured 10 ft minimum from pool wall

We check how far overhead power lines run horizontally from the pool's edge.

Must be: Overhead power lines must stay at least 10 feet horizontally from the pool's inside wall.

NEC (2017) Table 680.9(A) Row C

Overhead communications/CATV cables cleared 10 ft above pool

We check the height of any cable, phone, or internet lines running over the pool.

Must be: Communications and TV cables must be at least 10 feet above the pool and any diving structure.

If it fails: Have the cable provider raise low-hanging lines to at least 10 feet above the pool.

NEC (2017) 680.9(B)

Electric pool water heater loads subdivided at 48A, protected at 60A max

We check the electrical setup of any electric pool water heater.

Must be: The heater's elements must be split into circuits no larger than 48 amps each, protected by breakers no larger than 60 amps.

NEC (2017) 680.10

Underground wiring barred beneath pool unless supplying pool equipment

We check whether any electrical wiring runs underground beneath the pool itself.

Must be: Wiring can't run under the pool shell unless it's needed to power pool equipment, and it must be buried at the required depth.

If it fails: Reroute any unnecessary wiring so it doesn't pass beneath the pool.

NEC (2017) 680.11

Pool equipment rooms/pits must drain, not accumulate water

We check the equipment room or pit for standing water or poor drainage.

Must be: Rooms or pits holding pool electrical equipment must drain properly so water doesn't collect during normal use or maintenance.

If it fails: Improve drainage in the equipment area, such as adding a floor drain or sump.

NEC (2017) 680.12

Pool disconnecting means required within sight, at least 5 ft from the pool wall

We check the location of the emergency power shut-off for your pool equipment.

Must be: A disconnect switch must be visible from the equipment, easy to reach, and at least 5 feet from the pool's inside wall, unless a permanent barrier is in the way.

NEC (2017) 680.13

Wiring in the pool's corrosive environment must be listed for that use

We check the type of conduit used for wiring near pool chemicals and pumps.

Must be: Wiring in the chemical and pump area must be listed for that corrosive environment, such as rigid metal, PVC, or reinforced thermosetting conduit.

If it fails: Replace unlisted conduit with a type rated for corrosive pool environments.

NEC (2017) 680.14(B)

Pool motor cord-and-plug connections limited to 3 ft, 12 AWG grounding conductor

We check the cord on your pool pump or other motor if it's plugged in rather than hardwired.

Must be: A pump motor's plug-in cord must be 3 feet or shorter and include a copper ground wire of at least 12 AWG.

NEC (2017) 680.21(A)(3)

GFCI protection required on all pool pump motor circuits

We test that your pool pump's electrical circuit has working ground-fault protection.

Must be: Every pool pump motor circuit, whether plugged in or hardwired, must have GFCI protection.

If it fails: Have an electrician add or repair GFCI protection on the pump circuit.

NEC (2017) 680.21(C)

Required general-purpose receptacle: 6-20 ft from pool, max 6 ft 6 in high

We check the location and height of the general-purpose outlet near your pool.

Must be: At least one outlet must be placed between 6 and 20 feet from the pool's edge, no higher than 6 feet 6 inches above the ground.

NEC (2017) 680.22(A)(1)

Circulation/sanitation receptacles: 6 ft minimum, GFCI + grounding type

We check the outlet that powers your pool pump and sanitation equipment.

Must be: Outlets for the pump or sanitation system must sit at least 6 feet from the pool wall and be GFCI-protected, grounded outlets.

NEC (2017) 680.22(A)(2)

All other pool-area receptacles: at least 6 ft from pool wall

We check the distance of every other outlet in the pool area from the water's edge.

Must be: All other outlets near the pool must be at least 6 feet from the inside wall of the pool.

If it fails: Relocate any outlet closer than 6 feet to the pool.

NEC (2017) 680.22(A)(3)

GFCI protection required on all 125V 15/20A receptacles within 20 ft of pool

We test every standard outlet within 20 feet of the pool for GFCI protection.

Must be: All 125-volt, 15- or 20-amp outlets within 20 feet of the pool must be GFCI-protected.

If it fails: Have an electrician install or repair GFCI protection on these outlets.

NEC (2017) 680.22(A)(4)

Switching devices at least 5 ft horizontally from pool wall

We check how far light switches and other electrical switches sit from the pool.

Must be: Switches must be at least 5 feet from the pool's inside wall, unless a permanent barrier separates them or the switch is listed for closer use.

If it fails: Relocate the switch to at least 5 feet away, or install one listed for closer placement.

NEC (2017) 680.22(C)

Other outlets (signaling/comm/fire alarm) at least 10 ft from pool wall

We check the distance of things like alarm panels, intercoms, or signal outlets from the pool.

Must be: Outlets that aren't receptacles, lights, or switches, like alarm or communication devices, must be at least 10 feet from the pool.

NEC (2017) 680.22(D)

Nonmetallic conduit to forming shell requires an 8 AWG bonding jumper, potted

We check that a bonding wire runs through the plastic conduit leading to underwater lights.

Must be: An insulated 8-gauge copper bonding wire must run through the conduit and be sealed in place with waterproof potting compound.

If it fails: Have an electrician add and properly seal the bonding wire in the conduit.

NEC (2017) 680.23(B)(1)(b)

Wet-niche luminaire cord grounding conductor minimum 16 AWG

We check the grounding wire built into the underwater light's power cord.

Must be: The grounding wire must be at least 16-gauge copper and no smaller than the other wires in the cord.

If it fails: Replace the light fixture's cord assembly with one that meets the minimum wire size.

NEC (2017) 680.23(B)(3)

Underwater luminaire junction box: 4 in above grade or 8 in above water

We check the height of the junction box that connects to your underwater light wiring.

Must be: The box must sit at least 4 inches above the ground or deck, or at least 8 inches above the pool's water level, whichever is higher.

If it fails: Raise or relocate the junction box to meet the required clearance.

NEC (2017) 680.24(A)(2)(a)

Underwater luminaire junction box: 4 ft minimum from pool wall

We check how far the underwater light's junction box sits from the pool's edge.

Must be: The box must be at least 4 feet from the inside wall of the pool, unless a solid fence or wall separates it.

If it fails: Relocate the junction box farther from the pool, or add a permanent barrier between it and the water.

NEC (2017) 680.24(A)(2)(b)

Aluminum conduit not permitted in the pool area where subject to corrosion

We check what type of conduit was used for wiring in the pool area.

Must be: Aluminum conduit is not allowed anywhere in the pool area exposed to corrosion.

If it fails: Replace any aluminum conduit near the pool with a corrosion-resistant type.

NEC (2017) 680.25(B)

Equipotential bonding must reduce voltage gradients in the pool area

We check that the pool's bonding system is doing its job of evening out electrical charge around the pool.

Must be: The bonding system must reduce voltage differences in the pool area to keep swimmers safe.

NEC (2017) 680.26(A)

Equipotential bonding conductor: 8 AWG solid copper minimum

We check the wire used to connect all the required metal parts around your pool together.

Must be: The bonding wire must be solid copper and at least 8-gauge, or equivalent corrosion-resistant metal conduit.

If it fails: Have an electrician upgrade the bonding wire to the minimum required size.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)

Unencapsulated pool rebar bonded together with steel tie wires

We check that the pool's rebar is tied together electrically.

Must be: Uncoated reinforcing steel must be connected with steel tie wires, or a copper wire grid if the rebar is coated.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(1)(a)

Copper conductor grid (when rebar unavailable): minimum 8 AWG bare solid copper

We check the copper wire grid used when a pool doesn't have bondable rebar.

Must be: The grid must be made of bare solid copper wire at least 8-gauge, with each crossing wire connected together.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(1)(b)(1)

Copper conductor grid spacing: 12 in x 12 in pattern, tolerance 4 in

We check the spacing of the copper bonding grid's wires.

Must be: The grid must form a 12-inch by 12-inch pattern, allowing up to 4 inches of variation.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(1)(b)(3)

Copper conductor grid secured within 6 in of the pool shell's outer contour

We check how close the copper bonding grid sits to the pool's shell.

Must be: The grid must be secured within 6 inches of the outer edge of the pool shell.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(1)(b)(4)

Perimeter surface bonding zone extends 3 ft beyond the pool walls

We check how far the bonding grid extends into the deck and ground around the pool.

Must be: Bonding must extend at least 3 feet out from the pool walls, covering both paved and unpaved surfaces.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(2)

Perimeter bonding exempted beyond a permanent wall/building 5 ft or taller

We check whether a tall wall or building already separates part of the pool's surroundings.

Must be: Areas beyond a permanent wall or building at least 5 feet tall only need bonding on the pool-facing side.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(2)

Perimeter bonding attached to grid/rebar at 4 points minimum around the pool

We check how many places the perimeter bonding connects to the pool's rebar or copper grid.

Must be: The perimeter bonding must attach at 4 or more evenly spaced points around the pool, unless the pool shell is nonconductive.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(2)

Alternate perimeter bonding conductor located 18-24 in from the pool wall

We check the placement of the backup bonding wire used when rebar isn't available.

Must be: This wire must run between 18 and 24 inches from the inside walls of the pool.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(2)(b)(4)

Alternate perimeter bonding conductor: min 8 AWG bare copper, listed splices

We check the wire and connections used for the backup perimeter bonding system.

Must be: It must be at least 8-gauge bare solid copper, follow the deck's contour, and use only listed (approved) splice connectors.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(2)(b)

Alternate perimeter bonding conductor buried 4-6 in below subgrade

We check how deep the backup bonding wire is buried beneath the deck.

Must be: The wire must be buried between 4 and 6 inches below the surface material.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(2)(b)(5)

All metallic pool-structure components must be bonded

We check that all metal parts of the pool structure are electrically connected together.

Must be: Every metal part of the pool structure must be bonded, except rebar that is fully coated in nonconductive material.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(3)

Underwater lighting forming shells and no-niche mounting brackets must be bonded

We check that the metal housings for your underwater pool lights are bonded.

Must be: All metal light housings and mounting brackets must be bonded, unless it's a listed low-voltage light with a plastic housing.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(4)

Pool metal fittings must be bonded except small isolated parts

We check that metal fittings in or on the pool are bonded together.

Must be: All metal fittings must be bonded, except small parts under 4 inches across that don't go more than 1 inch into the pool structure.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(5)

Pool pump motors and pool-cover motors must be bonded (unless double-insulated)

We check that your pool pump and pool cover motor are properly bonded.

Must be: Metal parts of the pump and pool cover motor must be bonded, unless the equipment is listed as double-insulated.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(6)

Double-insulated pump motor: spare 8 AWG conductor to accessible point

We check for a spare bonding wire near a double-insulated pool pump.

Must be: A solid 8-gauge copper wire long enough to bond a future replacement motor must run from the bonding grid to a spot near the pump.

If it fails: Have an electrician add the spare bonding wire near the pump for future motor replacements.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(6)(a)

Fixed metal parts bonded unless barrier, or >5 ft horiz / >12 ft vertical

We check whether nearby fixed metal items, like fences, awnings, or piping, are bonded.

Must be: Fixed metal within 5 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically of the pool must be bonded, unless a permanent barrier separates it.

NEC (2017) 680.26(B)(7)

Pool water itself must contact a bonded conductive surface of at least 9 in-sq

We check that the pool water itself connects to the bonding system.

Must be: If nothing else touches the water, an approved metal surface exposing at least 9 square inches to the water must be bonded in.

If it fails: Install an approved bonded metal fitting, such as a light niche or drain cover, that stays in contact with the water.

NEC (2017) 680.26(C)

Underwater audio speaker nonmetallic conduit needs an 8 AWG bonding jumper

We check for a bonding wire inside the conduit running to any underwater pool speakers.

Must be: An insulated 8-gauge copper bonding wire must run through the conduit and be properly sealed at the speaker housing.

NEC (2017) 680.27(A)(2)

Electric pool-cover motors/controllers located at least 5 ft from pool wall

We check the location of the motor and controls for an automatic pool cover.

Must be: They must sit at least 5 feet from the pool's edge, unless a wall or barrier separates them, and any below-ground motor must be fully enclosed.

If it fails: Relocate the motor farther from the pool, or install a totally enclosed unit if it's below grade.

NEC (2017) 680.27(B)(1)

Electric pool-cover motor circuit must be GFCI protected

We check that the pool cover motor's circuit has GFCI protection.

Must be: The pool cover motor must be plugged into a GFCI-protected circuit.

If it fails: Have an electrician add GFCI protection to the pool cover's circuit.

NEC (2017) 680.27(B)(2)

Deck-area unit heaters kept 5 ft clear of the pool, totally enclosed/guarded

We check the placement and enclosure of any heater units near the pool deck.

Must be: Heaters within 20 feet of the pool must be fully enclosed or guarded, securely mounted, and kept at least 5 feet from the pool's edge.

If it fails: Relocate the heater farther from the pool or install a properly enclosed model.

NEC (2017) 680.27(C)(1)

Radiant deck heaters kept 5 ft clear horizontally, mounted 12 ft above deck

We check the placement of any radiant heaters mounted near the pool.

Must be: Radiant heaters must be at least 5 feet from the pool's edge and mounted at least 12 feet above the deck.

If it fails: Relocate or remount the heater to meet the required clearances.

NEC (2017) 680.27(C)(2)

Radiant heating cables embedded in or below the pool deck are prohibited

We check whether the pool deck has any embedded radiant heating cables.

Must be: Radiant heating cables are not allowed to be embedded in or under the pool deck.

If it fails: Remove or deactivate any heating cables embedded in the deck.

NEC (2017) 680.27(C)(3)

Gas-fired pool/spa water heater circuits above low-voltage limit need GFCI

We check the electrical circuit powering your gas pool or spa heater.

Must be: Circuits above the low-voltage limit feeding the heater must have GFCI protection.

If it fails: Have an electrician add GFCI protection to the heater's circuit.

NEC (2017) 680.28

Cord-connected storable-pool filter pump: double insulated with integral GFCI

We check the pump on any storable, above-ground pool.

Must be: The pump must be double-insulated and have a GFCI built into the plug or within 12 inches of it on the cord.

If it fails: Replace the pump with one that has a listed, integral GFCI plug.

NEC (2017) 680.31

Storable pool: all equipment and receptacles within 20 ft need GFCI

We check that all pool equipment and nearby outlets for a storable pool are GFCI protected.

Must be: All pool equipment and every outlet within 20 feet of the pool must be on GFCI protection.

If it fails: Have an electrician add GFCI protection to any outlets within 20 feet that lack it.

NEC (2017) 680.32

Storable pool/spa/hot tub receptacles kept at least 6 ft from the inside wall

We check how far electrical outlets are from a storable pool, spa, or hot tub.

Must be: Outlets must be at least 6 feet from the inside wall of the pool, spa, or hot tub.

If it fails: Relocate any outlet closer than 6 feet, or have an electrician move it to a safe distance.

NEC (2017) 680.34

Spa/hot tub emergency shutoff switch required, except for one-family dwellings

We check for a clearly labeled emergency shutoff switch near the spa or hot tub.

Must be: An emergency switch must be installed within sight of the spa, at least 5 feet away and easily reachable, though this doesn't apply to single-family homes.

NEC (2017) 680.41

Aboveground self-contained spa: bonding waived if rim is 28 in above grade

We check the height of an above-ground spa's rim compared to the surrounding surfaces.

Must be: If the spa's rim sits at least 28 inches above any deck or ground within 30 inches of it, perimeter bonding isn't required.

NEC (2017) 680.42(B)

Indoor spa/hot tub receptacle located 6-10 ft from the inside wall

We check the location of the nearest general-purpose outlet for an indoor spa or hot tub.

Must be: At least one outlet must be located between 6 and 10 feet from the inside wall of the spa.

If it fails: Add or relocate an outlet so it falls within the required 6-to-10-foot range.

NEC (2017) 680.43(A)

Spa/hot tub receptacles within 10 ft must be GFCI protected

We check that outlets near the spa or hot tub have GFCI protection.

Must be: Any outlet within 10 feet of the spa or hot tub must be GFCI protected.

If it fails: Have an electrician add GFCI protection to nearby outlets.

NEC (2017) 680.43(A)(2)

Spa/hot tub switches at least 5 ft from the inside wall

We check how far electrical switches are from the spa or hot tub.

Must be: Switches must be at least 5 feet from the inside wall of the spa or hot tub.

If it fails: Relocate any switch closer than 5 feet to a compliant distance.

NEC (2017) 680.43(C)

Spa/hot tub bonding: fittings, circulating equipment, and metal within 5 ft

We check that the spa's metal fittings, pump equipment, and nearby metal surfaces are all bonded together.

Must be: All spa fittings, circulating equipment, and metal surfaces or piping within 5 feet must be bonded, unless a permanent barrier separates them.

NEC (2017) 680.43(D)

GFCI required on the outlet supplying a spa or hot tub

We check that the spa or hot tub's power supply is GFCI protected.

Must be: The outlet or circuit feeding the spa must be GFCI protected.

If it fails: Have an electrician add GFCI protection to the spa's power supply.

NEC (2017) 680.44

Fountain luminaires, submersible pumps, and equipment require GFCI protection

We check that fountain lights and submersible pumps are GFCI protected.

Must be: Fountain lights and submersible equipment must be GFCI protected, unless they run on qualifying low voltage.

NEC (2017) 680.51(A)

Fountain luminaires capped at 150V; submersible pumps/equipment capped at 300V

We check the voltage supplying your fountain's lights and submersible equipment.

Must be: Fountain lights must run at 150 volts or less, and submersible pumps and equipment at 300 volts or less.

NEC (2017) 680.51(B)

Fountain metal piping bonded to the branch-circuit equipment grounding conductor

We check that the fountain's metal piping is bonded to the electrical system.

Must be: All metal piping connected to the fountain must be bonded to the circuit's grounding wire.

NEC (2017) 680.53

GFCI required on outlet supplying a therapeutic tub or hydrotherapeutic tank

We check that the therapeutic tub or hydrotherapy tank's power supply is GFCI protected.

Must be: The outlet feeding the tub or tank must be GFCI protected.

NEC (2017) 680.62(A)

Receptacles within 6 ft of a therapeutic tub must be GFCI protected

We check outlets located near a therapeutic tub.

Must be: Any outlet within 6 feet of the tub must be GFCI protected.

NEC (2017) 680.62(E)

Hydromassage bathtub: individual GFCI circuit; 6 ft receptacle GFCI rule

We check the circuit powering a hydromassage bathtub and any nearby outlets.

Must be: The tub must run on its own GFCI-protected circuit, and outlets within 6 feet of it must also be GFCI protected.

NEC (2017) 680.71

Hydromassage bathtub bonding jumper: minimum 8 AWG solid copper

We check the bonding wire connecting metal parts around a hydromassage bathtub.

Must be: The bonding wire must be solid copper and at least 8-gauge.

NEC (2017) 680.74(B)

Pool lift above the low-voltage contact limit requires GFCI protection

We check that the pool lift's electrical connection has GFCI protection.

Must be: A pool lift running above the low-voltage limit must be GFCI protected.

NEC (2017) 680.82

Pool lifts bonded per 680.26(B)(5) and (B)(7)

We check that the pool lift is properly bonded to the pool's electrical system.

Must be: Electric pool lifts must be bonded the same way as other metal fittings and fixed metal parts.

NEC (2017) 680.83

Outdoor pool luminaires/fans within 5 ft: minimum 12 ft height above water

We check the height of outdoor lights and ceiling fans near or over the pool.

Must be: Lights or fans above the pool or within 5 feet of it must be mounted at least 12 feet above the highest water level.

If it fails: Relocate or raise the fixture to at least 12 feet above the water.

NEC (2017) 680.22(B)(1)

Indoor GFCI-protected pool luminaires/fans: minimum height reduced to 7 ft 6 in

We check the height of enclosed light fixtures and fans over an indoor pool.

Must be: Indoors, enclosed lights and fans on a GFCI-protected circuit can be mounted as low as 7 feet 6 inches above the water.

NEC (2017) 680.22(B)(2)

Existing luminaires under 5 ft from pool: raise to 5 ft above water, add GFCI

We check older, existing light fixtures that sit close to the pool.

Must be: Existing lights within 5 feet of the pool must be at least 5 feet above the water, securely mounted, and GFCI-protected.

If it fails: Raise the fixture to at least 5 feet above the water and add GFCI protection.

NEC (2017) 680.22(B)(3)

Luminaires/fans 5-10 ft from pool wall need GFCI unless mounted 5 ft above water

We check lights and fans positioned 5 to 10 feet from the pool.

Must be: Fixtures in this 5-to-10-foot zone need GFCI protection unless mounted at least 5 feet above the water and securely attached.

NEC (2017) 680.22(B)(4)

Cord-and-plug luminaires within 16 ft of water surface must follow 680.8

We check any plug-in light fixtures within 16 feet of the water's surface.

Must be: A plug-in light within 16 feet of the water must meet the pool's cord-and-plug safety requirements.

NEC (2017) 680.22(B)(5)

GFCI required for underwater luminaires above the low-voltage contact limit

We test that underwater pool lights have ground-fault protection.

Must be: Underwater lights running above the low-voltage safety threshold must be on a GFCI-protected circuit.

NEC (2017) 680.23(A)(3)

Underwater luminaires prohibited above 150 volts between conductors

We check the voltage rating of your underwater pool lights.

Must be: Underwater lights can't run on more than 150 volts between conductors.

If it fails: Replace any high-voltage underwater fixture with one rated for 150 volts or less.

NEC (2017) 680.23(A)(4)

Wall-mounted underwater luminaire lens: 18 in minimum below normal water level

We measure how deep underwater lights are mounted below the water surface.

Must be: Lights mounted in the pool wall must have their lens at least 18 inches below the normal water level, unless listed for shallower use.

NEC (2017) 680.23(B)(5)

Underwater luminaire lens never shallower than 4 in below water level

We check how deep the underwater pool light sits below the water surface.

Must be: The light lens must be at least 4 inches below the normal water level.

If it fails: Reposition or replace the light fixture so it sits deeper below the waterline.

NEC (2017) 680.23(B)(5)

Spa/hot tub luminaires without GFCI need 12 ft clearance above water

We check the height of lights or ceiling fans above a spa or hot tub that aren't GFCI protected.

Must be: Without GFCI protection, lights and fans over or within 5 feet of the spa must be at least 12 feet above the water.

If it fails: Add GFCI protection to lower the required clearance, or remount the fixture higher.

NEC (2017) 680.43(B)(1)(a)

Spa/hot tub luminaires with GFCI: clearance may be reduced to 7 ft 6 in

We check the height of GFCI-protected lights or fans above a spa or hot tub.

Must be: With GFCI protection, lights and fans over or within 5 feet of the spa may be as low as 7 feet 6 inches above the water.

NEC (2017) 680.43(B)(1)(b)