National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, January 5, 2023

Question:

Hello Code Friends! How far away from an inground pool does an A/C condenser need to be? I'm looking at a condenser 6ft above the max water level but only inches horizontally away. Yes, they squeezed in a pool right next to the house. I'm looking forward to your response as I do every day. Thanks for keeping the site going, Stephen Doughten
A

Answer:

Hello Stephen, thanks for the kind words, and glad to hear you are enjoying the CQD.

Section 680.22(D) provides guidance on “Other Outlets” install near a permanent pool:

“Other Outlets shall not be less than 10ft from the inside wall of the pool. Measurements shall be determined in accordance with Section 680.22(A)(6).”

Remember an “Outlet” is a point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. The A/C condenser is utilization equipment, so the point where power is connected to the condenser needs to be 10ft from the inside wall of the pool.

As stated, Section 680.22(A)(6) provides guidance on how the measurement is taken, so in this case, the 10ft measurement is shortest path a cord could follow with piercing a wall, floor etc.

Also see Section 680.22(E) for “Other Equipment”.

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