680.14 Corrosive Environment.
Code Change Summary: A new code section was added to address specific environments around the pool.
Certain areas around the pool can be highly corrosive to electrical wiring methods and materials. Chlorine and muriatic acid in the pool water can give off corrosive fumes that will eat away at the zinc coating on galvanized raceways and fittings. Often, architectural pits, sunken gazebos or bars are installed up against the wall of a pool to make a nice outdoor beverage or grilling area. These areas are often susceptible to splashing from those swimming in the pool. According to 680.12, equipment in these areas shall be suitable for the environment in accordance with 300.6.
Other areas or buildings associated with the pool might be used for acid or chlorine storage. These chemicals are extremely harsh for wiring methods and materials and special care should be taken to ensure proper protection of conductors and equipment installed in these areas.
Section 680.14(A) was added in the 2017 NEC® to address these areas and label them officially as a corrosive environment. Section 680.14(B) is also new and requires wiring methods in the areas deemed corrosive by 680.14(A) to be listed and identified for use in such areas. Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, and reinforced thermosetting resin conduit are acceptable wiring methods for these areas and considered to be resistant to the corrosive environment specified in 680.14(A).
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
N 680.14 Corrosive Environment.
(A) General. Areas where pool sanitation chemicals are stored, as well as areas with circulation pumps, automatic chlorinators, filters, open areas under decks adjacent to or abutting the pool structure, and similar locations shall be considered to be a corrosive environment. The air in such areas shall be considered to be laden with acid, chlorine, and bromine vapors, or any combination of acid, chlorine, or bromine vapors, and any liquids or condensation in those areas shall be considered to be laden with acids, chlorine, and bromine vapors, or any combination of acid, chlorine, or bromine vapors.
(B) Wiring Methods. Wiring methods in the areas described in 680.14(A) shall be listed and identified for use in such areas. Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, and reinforced thermosetting resin conduit shall be considered to be resistant to the corrosive environment specified in 680.14(A).