Change Summary

• In addition of the requirements of 680.51(A) for submersible pumps, outlets supplying all permanently installed nonsubmersible pump motors rated 250 volts or less and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase, are now required to be provided with GFCI protection.

Expert Analysis

The Code language at 680.51(A) states that “luminaires, submersible pumps, and other submersible equipment, unless listed for operation at low voltage contact limit or less and supplied by a transformer or power supply that complies with 680.23(A)(2), shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.”

For the 2020 NEC, a new 680.59 titled, “GFCI Protection for Permanently Installed Nonsubmersible Pumps” was added to the end of Part V of Article 680. This new section states that “outlets supplying all permanently installed nonsubmersible pump motors rated 250 volts or less and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase, shall be provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.” With the term “outlet” being used here, this would call for GFCI protection of a hard-wired or cord-and-plug connected permanently installed nonsubmersible pump for a fountain.