Journeyman Electrician Exam (NEC)Special Occupancies, Equipment, and ConditionsMedium
A swimming pool deck area requires a 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle for maintenance equipment. This receptacle is not more than 2.0 m (6.5 ft) from the inside wall of the pool. According to NEC Article 680, what type of ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection is required for this receptacle?
- AClass B GFCI
- BPersonnel GFCI
- CEquipment GFCI
- DClass A GFCI
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Class A GFCI
NEC Section 680.22(A)(5) requires that all 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacles located within 2.0 m (6.5 ft) of the inside wall of a swimming pool shall be protected by a Class A ground-fault circuit interrupter. Class A GFCIs trip at a nominal 5 mA, providing personnel protection.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Class B GFCIs trip at a higher current (20 mA) and are not permitted for personnel protection in this application.
- B. While 'Personnel GFCI' describes the function, 'Class A GFCI' is the specific term used in the NEC for the required device.
- C. Equipment GFCIs protect equipment, not personnel, and have higher trip levels; they are not suitable for this requirement.
Swimming Pool Receptacle GFCI
The specific type of ground-fault circuit interrupter required for 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacles located near swimming pools to ensure personnel protection.
- Applies to receptacles within 2.0 m (6.5 ft) of pool walls (NEC 680).
- Protects against electric shock to personnel.
- Class A GFCI (5 mA trip) is required.
Memory trick: Close to the pool, Class A is the rule, keeping shocks at bay, that's really cool.