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February 19, 2009 A Penton Media Publication Vol. VII No. 4

CONTENTS
680.26 Equipotential Bonding for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs

What's Wrong Here?

Code Q&A

Code Quiz

Electric West 2009


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    Top 2008 Code Changes
















    680.26 Equipotential Bonding for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
    By Mike Holt
     The bonding rules for reducing voltage gradients around permanently installed pools, outdoor spas, or outdoor hot tubs were changed again. Here's a summary of the entire section.

    (A) Performance. Equipotential bonding is intended to reduce voltage gradients in the area around permanently installed pools, outdoor spas, or outdoor hot tubs by the use of a common bonding grid in accordance with 680.26(B) and (C).

    (B) Bonded Parts. The parts of a permanently installed pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub listed in (B)(1) through (B)(7) shall be bonded together with a solid copper conductor not smaller than 8 AWG with listed pressure connectors, terminal bars, exothermic welding, or other listed means [250.8(A)]. Equipotential bonding is not required to extend to or be attached to any panelboard, service equipment, or grounding electrode.

    To read more on this story, visit EC&M's Web site.

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    Code Challenge
    What's Wrong Here?
    By Joe Tedesco
     Think you know how this installation violates the NEC? Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer. Hint: Busting out at the seams
    Code Q&A
    By Mike Holt
     Q. What are the AFCI protection requirements for dwelling units, and do these requirements apply to smoke alarms?

    Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.
    Code Quiz
    By Steven Owen
     When it comes to the placement of Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits, which one of the following statements meets Code requirements?

    1. Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 circuits (in any combination) can occupy the same cable, enclosure, or raceway with other circuits as long as all circuit conductors have the same insulation rating.
    2. Two or more Class 2 circuits can occupy the same cable, enclosure, or raceway with other circuits.
    3. Two or more Class 3 circuits can occupy the same cable, enclosure, or raceway with other circuits.
    4. Class 2 circuits can occupy the same cable, enclosure, or raceway with Class 3 circuits.

    Visit EC&M's Web site for the answer and explanation.

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    Shows and Events



    Electric West 2009
    The Electric West Show, to be held March 18-20, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with the Power Quality Reliability Conference, is the perfect place to brush up on the latest NEC topics – and earn continuing education credits in the process. Geared toward electrical contractors, consulting & specifying engineers, electricians, and plant facility personnel, there’s something for everyone at the Electric Show. The biggest electrical marketplace in the western United States, this event attracts 250 exhibiting companies and more than 6,000 attendees every year. Here's a preview of some of the NEC seminars planned for next year's event:
    • One- and Two-Family Dwelling Unit Electrical Systems
    • Changes to the 2008 NEC
    • Swimming Pools and Similar Installations (NEC Article 680)
    • Introduction to the 2009 NFPA 70E
    For more information, visit our Web site.

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    Click here today to find up-to-date UL Listed products at the UL Code Correlation Database.

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