National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Question:

Re: CQD answer published Friday, November 30, 2018 -Pool Eq GFCI Protection

Gentlemen: I remember Charlie and used to have many conversations with him at IAEI functions over the last 25+ years. We miss him. I am an avid reader of Code question and would like to offer a possible correction to your answer of Thursday, Nov 29, 2018. My understanding of Article 680.23(A)(3) is that an underwater luminaire for a pool must have GFCI protection “in the branch circuit” and that’s the way I’ve been teaching it in my classes. This is different that what is called out for other equipment like the pool cover, pump motors, etc. If the feeder for the panel is GFCI protected it would require an additional GFCI device in the “branch circuit” for the underwater luminaire even if the branch circuit originated from a panel that was protected by a GFCI Main. Thanks for the fine job you are doing for the industry. George Little

2) Good morning. Please correct me if I’m wrong, But in regards to the answer given concerning the GFCI protection for pool equipment being located in the feeder for a pool sub panel. If there are underwater Luminaires installed you must pay attention to 680.23(A)(3). Gfci protection for luminaires must be located in the branch circuit. Barry Wilbur

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Answer:

Hey George and Barry thanks for your comments and the kind words. You are both correct the GFCI protection for underwater luminaires must be in the branch circuit as stated in 680.23(A)(3). For other pool equipment it can be in the feeder. We miss Charlie also.

ABOUT CQD: The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry, sponsored by EATON. The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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