Change Summary

• At least one GFCI-protected 125-volt, 15- or 20- ampere receptacle on a general-purpose circuit is now required to be located within a pool equipment room. All other receptacles supplied by branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground within a pool equipment room are required to be GFCI protected.

Expert Analysis

It is not uncommon to find swimming pool and similar installation type equipment located in a designated pool equipment room, particularly at hotels and other commercial occupancies.

For the 2020 NEC a new provision was added at 680.22(A)(5) calling for at least one GFCI-protected 125-volt, 15- or 20- ampere receptacle on a general-purpose circuit to be located within a pool equipment room. If more than one receptacle outlet is supplied or any other receptacles supplied by branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground within a pool equipment room, GFCI protection will also be mandated for those receptacle outlets as well.

Leviton Solution

To comply with this article a WR (Weather Resistant) GFCI receptacle is suggested. In addition, article 680.14 calls for wiring methods in corrosive environments to be listed and identified for use in such areas. The article identifies metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit and reinforced thermosetting resin conduit as solutions.

Leviton’s Wetguard® line of water and corrosion resistant enclosures and devices are compatible with these types of conduit and complete the corrosion resistant installation. They are designed for applications where electrical connections are exposed to wet and corrosive conditions. They have IEC and NEMA watertight and dust-tight enclosure ratings and offer many significant advantages over competitive brands. A patented multi-point sealing system forms a barrier against dirt and moisture providing the ultimate protection that you should expect from a watertight device. The Wetguard® line features corrosion-resistant electroless nickel-coated brass blades, contacts, terminal screws and wiring clamps, and stainless steel assembly screws. They are resistant to water, acids, alkalies, and many automotive and industrial lubricants and solvents. The plug and connector husk is molded to a bondable nylon body, providing a device that withstands physical abuse. In addition, the patented compression nut strain relief system ensures the integrity of the electrical connection and watertight seal.