Swimming Pool Low Voltage Lighting

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Low Voltage Lighting is prohibited from being within 10 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically from the water.  Of course, this does not apply to approved underwater low voltage lighting.

Prohibited by Building Code
 
The National Electric Code (NEC) is the building code for the entire United States.  
The (2011) NEC 411.4(B) prohibits the installation of low voltage systems within 10 feet of any pool, spa or hot tub, unless specifically permitted by NEC Section 680. 

So what IS "permitted" ?

NEC 680.22(C) defines the requirements for low voltage lighting, at any operating voltage, around indoor or outdoor swimming pools.

The only discussion about low voltage lighting around swimming pools is addressed in NEC 680.23(A)(2).  It only discusses the underwater light fixtures.  

Because these section do not specifically permit the installation of low voltage lighting fixtures adjacent to a swimming pool (as required by NEC 411), it is still prohibited.

Until the NEC is updated or changed, low voltage lighting fixtures are prohibited from being installed within 10 feet horizontally and 12 feet vertically from the water.

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Section 680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. - See more at: http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf

Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. All rights reserved.