CSLB C-10 Electrical ContractorEquipment and InstallationHard
A pool contractor installs an equipotential bonding grid around a new in-ground swimming pool using a solid 8 AWG copper conductor connecting the reinforcing steel, pool perimeter surfaces, and metal fittings within 3 feet of the pool wall. Per NEC 680.26, is this bonding grid required to be connected to the electrical service grounding electrode system?
- AOnly if the pool pump motor is double-insulated
- BNo, the equipotential bonding grid is not required to be connected to the service ground
- COnly if the pool is within 20 feet of the dwelling
- DYes, it must always be connected directly to the service grounding electrode
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, the equipotential bonding grid is not required to be connected to the service ground
NEC 680.26(A) clarifies that the equipotential bonding grid is intended to eliminate voltage gradients in the pool area and is not required to be extended to or connected with any electrode required for the electrical service grounding system.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Motor insulation type does not affect the bonding grid connection requirement.
- C. Distance from the dwelling is not a factor in this bonding requirement.
- D. This misapplies grounding requirements from other systems; bonding is separate from service grounding.
Pool Equipotential Bonding Grid
A bonding grid using 8 AWG solid copper conductor connects pool structural and metal components to equalize voltage and reduce shock hazard, independent of the service grounding electrode system.
- Required per NEC 680.26 for permanently installed pools
- Bonds pool shell, deck reinforcing steel, and metal fittings within 3 feet of pool
- Not required to connect to the building's grounding electrode system
Memory trick: Bonding equalizes voltage; grounding sends fault current home — they're not the same job.