Section 680.26/Equipotential Bonding for Swimming Pools
NEC 680.26 covers the equipotential bonding grid required for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to prevent voltage differences that cause electric shock.
Pool pump motors must be protected by a branch circuit that has GFCI protection for personnel. The branch circuit must be a dedicated circuit. An equipotential bonding grid must connect all metal parts within 5 feet of the pool edge, including the pool structure reinforcing steel, metal fittings, equipment frames, metal conduit, ladders, diving boards, and a perimeter surface bonding grid. The bonding conductor must be at least 8 AWG solid copper.
Why this section exists
Water and electricity are an extremely dangerous combination. A voltage difference of even a few volts in pool water can cause electric shock drowning, where a swimmer is paralyzed by current and drowns. Equipotential bonding eliminates voltage gradients between metal components and the water by connecting everything to the same electrical potential. GFCI protection provides a secondary layer that detects ground faults and disconnects power before lethal current flows.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers check the pool electrical plan for the bonding grid layout, GFCI protection on all pool equipment circuits, and dedicated circuits for pool motors. They verify that the bonding diagram shows connections to all required metal components within 5 feet of the pool edge. They also check that underwater lighting fixtures are listed for pool use and installed per 680.23.
Common violations
Related NEC requirements
Section 680.22 covers pool area receptacle and lighting requirements. Section 680.23 covers underwater luminaires. Section 680.26 covers the equipotential bonding requirements in detail. Section 680.42 covers outdoor spa and hot tub requirements.