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Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Question:
Thanks for the code-a-day. A fun way to start the morning! Lots of arguments and cups of coffee lost and won!
NEC 680.23(B)(1) does not require a wet-niche fixture to have provisions for a #8 ground if it is a listed low voltage lighting system. However, NEC 680.23(B)(2) still requires a pool rated junction box. It seems unnecessary if there is no # 8 pulled to the wet-niche fixture or any ground pulled to the wet-niche fixture. Am I reading the code correct?
Thanks; Mike
A
Answer:
Hey Mike thanks for your question, you have a good point, and we are glad to help start your day. As you state, forming shells used with nonmetallic conduit must include provisions for terminating the 8 AWG copper conductor - other than those listed as low voltage systems as stated in 680.21(B)(1). Conduit must be installed from the forming shell to a junction box or other enclosure complying with 680.24 as stated in 680.21(B)(2). The 8 AWG bonding conductor is not required in nonmetallic conduit if listed as low voltage systems are used also stated in 680.21(B)(2).
All metal forming shells are required to be bonded as stated in 680.26(B)(4) unless the exception applies for listed low voltage lighting systems with nonmetallic forming shells.
So, yes you are correct, it seems unnecessary to have the bonding terminations if all the stated conditions are met. It is possible that no one has submitted a PI to address this, and possible that UL 1241, Standard for Junction Boxes for Swimming Pool Luminaires does not allow for omitting the bonding termination. If any swimming pool equipment manufacturer or UL representative has any additional insight please send in a comment.