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680.2 and Part VIII of Article 680 Definitions, Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations

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Change Summary

  • A new definition for Electrically Powered Pool Lift was added to 680.2 and a new Part VIII entitled, “Electrically Powered Pool Lifts,” was added to Article 680.
NEC® Text

680.2 Definitions.
Electrically Powered Pool Lift. An electrically powered lift that provides accessibility to and from a pool or spa for people with disabilities.

Part VIII. Electrically Powered Pool Lifts
680.80 General
. Electrically powered pool lifts as defined in 680.2 shall comply with Part VIII of this article. They shall not be required to comply with other parts of this article.
680.81 Equipment Approval. Lifts shall be listed and identified for swimming pool and spa use.

Exception No. 1: Lifts where the battery is removed for charging at another location and the battery is rated less than or equal to the low-voltage contact limit shall not be required to be listed or labeled.
Exception No. 2: Solar-operated or -recharged lifts where the solar panel is attached to the lift and the battery is rated less than or equal to 24 volts shall not be required to be listed or labeled.
Exception No. 3: Lifts that are supplied from a source not exceeding the low-voltage contact limit and supplied by listed transformers or power supplies that comply with 680.23(A)(2) shall not be required to be listed.

680.82 Protection. Pool lifts connected to premises wiring and operated above the low-voltage contact limit shall be provided with GFCI protection for personnel.

680.83 Bonding. Lifts shall be bonded in accordance with 680.26(B)(5) and (B)(7).

680.84 Switching Devices. Switches and switching devices that are operated above the low-voltage contact limit shall comply with 680.22(C).

680.85 Nameplate Marking. Electrically powered pool lifts shall be provided with a nameplate giving the identifying name and model and rating in volts and amperes, or in volts and watts. If the lift is to be used on a specific frequency or frequencies, it shall be so marked. Battery-powered pool lifts shall indicate the type reference of the battery or battery pack to be used. Batteries and battery packs shall be provided with a battery type reference and voltage rating. 

Exception: Nameplate ratings for battery-powered pool lifts shall only need to provide a rating in volts in addition to the identifying name and model.

Copyright© 2016 National Fire Protection Association
(See NEC for complete text)

Expert Analysis

A new definition for an Electrically Powered Pool Lift at 680.2 along with a new Part VIII (680.80 through 680.85) were incorporated into Article 680 for the 2017 NEC. These lifts are defined as “an electrically powered lift that provides accessibility to and from a pool or spa for people with disabilities.” Before the 2017 NEC, installation of these mandated powered pool lifts has been without compliance to any NEC requirements, in particular, requirements in Article 680.

This new definition is a companion to a new term nowfound in a new Part VIII of Article 680 pertaining to electrically powered pool lifts. Part VIII to Article 680 puts into place perscribed rules for the installation of these mandatory pool lifts with adequate safety requirements for all pool users. These new rules for electrically powered pool lifts include general requirements at 680.00 equipment approval (listing requirements)at 680.81, GFCI protection requirements at 680.82, bonding requirements at 680.83, switching device requirements at 680.84, and nameplate marking requirements at 680.85.

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Important: Covers must be used with WR GFCI receptacles in damp or wet locations per NEC Section 406.9(B)(1).