Article 680-Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations

A Flexible cord and plug style connection, for a fixed above ground or inground pool, must have a maximum length of?

A) 6 FT

B) Doesn't apply

C) 4 FT

D) 3 FT

The installation requirements in Article 680 Part I apply generally to pools, tubs, fountains, and spas. The requirements specific to permanently installed pools are in Part II.

Motors
Where branch-circuit wiring for pool-associated motors is subject to physical damage or exposed to damp, wet, or corrosive locations, you must use one of the following: rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, and reinforced thermosetting resin conduit, or Type MC cable listed for the location [680.21(A)(1) and 680.14(B)]. This requirement is new with the 2017 NEC.

The wiring methods must contain an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor (EGC) sized per 250.122, based on the rating of the circuit OCPD. In no case can the EGC be smaller than 12 AWG.

Wiring in dry and noncorrosive locations can use any Chapter 3 wiring method.
The wiring to a pool-associated motor must comply with these rules unless modified for specific circumstances, such as:

• Flexible connections. Liquidtight flexible metal or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit with listed fittings is permitted [680.21(A)(2)].
• Cord-and-plug connections. Cords for pool motors are permitted if not longer than 3 ft and the cord contains a copper EGC, sized per 250.122; it must be based on the overcurrent protection device (OCPD) rating, but not smaller than 12 AWG 680.21(A)(3).

GFCI protection is required for outlets supplying pool pump motors connected to single-phase, 120V through 240V branch circuits, whether by receptacle or by direct connection [680.21(C)]. Figure 1

Receptacles
Locate at least one 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle at least 6 ft and not more than 20 ft from the inside wall of the pool [680.22(A)(1)]. This receptacle can't be more than 6½ ft above the floor, platform, or grade level serving the pool.

Receptacles for permanently installed pool motors, or other loads directly related to the circulation system, must be:

• At least 6 ft from the inside walls of the pool.
• GFCI protected.
• Of the grounding type [680.22(A)(2)].

Receptacles not for motors or other loads directly related to the circulation system must be at least 6 ft from the inside walls of the pool [680.22(A)(3)].

If within 20 ft from the inside walls of the pool, 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles must be GFCI protected [680.22(A)(4)].

Outdoor dwelling unit receptacles must be GFCI protected, regardless of their distance from the pool [210.8(A)(3)].

Outdoor 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles for nondwelling units require GFCI protection [210.8(B)(4)].

The receptacle distance is measured as the shortest path an appliance flexible cord would follow without passing through a wall, doorway, or window [680.22(A)(5)].

Answer (D) 3 FT