Master Electrician Exam (NEC)Special Occupancies, Equipment, and ConditionsMedium
A master electrician is installing a new general-purpose receptacle for maintenance equipment within 20 feet of a permanently installed swimming pool. The receptacle is located 7 feet horizontally from the inside wall of the pool. Which of the following statements is true regarding its installation?
- AThe receptacle must be a locking-type receptacle.
- BThe receptacle must be GFCI protected.
- CThe receptacle does not require GFCI protection if it is not readily accessible.
- DThe receptacle is permitted to be located within 6 feet of the pool if it has a weather-resistant enclosure.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The receptacle must be GFCI protected.
NEC 680.22(A)(5) requires all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles located within 20 feet of the inside wall of a swimming pool to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection. The 7-foot distance is within this 20-foot zone.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Locking-type receptacles are not a general requirement for all receptacles near pools; GFCI protection is the primary concern.
- C. Accessibility does not negate the GFCI requirement for receptacles near pools.
- D. Receptacles are generally not permitted within 6 feet of the pool, even with weather-resistant enclosures, unless specific conditions are met for permanent pool motors or lighting, which is not the case here.
Swimming Pool Area Receptacle GFCI
Requirement for ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for all 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles located within 20 feet of a swimming pool.
- Applies to 125V, 15A/20A receptacles.
- Distance is within 20 feet of pool's inside wall.
- Mandated by NEC 680.22(A)(5).
Memory trick: Near a pool, every outlet within 20 feet needs a GFCI like a lifeguard.