680.2 Definitions.
Code Change Summary: New code definitions in Article 680 finally recognize a splash pad.
In the 2020 NEC®, the previous description of a corrosive environment in 680.14(A) was relocated to 680.2 to create a new definition.
Additionally, the definitions in 680.2 now include splash pads. This is an important change since technically, prior to the 2020 NEC®, a splash pad was not included in the scope of Article 680.
Section 680.1 Scope, states the following: The provisions of this article apply to the construction and installation of electrical wiring for, and equipment in or adjacent to, all swimming, wading, therapeutic, and decorative pools; fountains; hot tubs; spas; and hydromassage bathtubs, whether permanently installed or storable, and to metallic auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, filters, and similar equipment. The term body of water used throughout Part I applies to all bodies of water covered in this scope unless otherwise amended.
According to the modified definition of a fountain in 680.2, a splash pad is considered a fountain and a fountain is within the scope of Article 680. Now, all of the requirements in Article 680 pertaining to fountains will also apply to splash pads.
There are many splash pads with electrical lights and electric pumping equipment that until now, have not been required to comply with the additional safety measures required in Article 680 for pools and fountains. Kids playing in the water of a splash pad with up lights and other electrical equipment are just as vulnerable to an electric shock as kids playing in an actual swimming pool.
Before this code change it would have been impossible for an electrical inspector to provide a code reference to back up requiring GFCI protection for lighting recessed into a splash pad or equipotential bonding for splash pad perimeter surfaces required in Part II of Article 680.
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 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
Fountain. Fountains, ornamental pools, display pools, and reflection pools. The definition does not include drinking fountains.
2020 Code Language:
680.2 Definitions.
Corrosive Environment. Areas where pool sanitation chemicals are stored, handled, or dispensed, and confined areas under decks adjacent to such areas, as well as areas with circulation pumps, automatic chlorinators, filters, open areas under decks adjacent to or abutting the pool structure, and similar locations.
Informational Note: Sanitation chemicals and pool water are considered to pose a risk of corrosion (gradually damage or destroy materials) due to the presence of oxidizers (e.g., calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, bromine, chlorinated isocyanurates) and chlorinating agents that release chlorine when dissolved in water. More information about swimming pool chemicals can be found on or in the following:
(1) Environmental Protection Agency website
(2) NFPA 400-2019, Hazardous Materials Code
(3) Advisory: Swimming Pool Chemicals: Chlorine, OSWER 90-008.1, June 1990, available from the EPA National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
Fountain. An ornamental structure or recreational water feature from which one or more jets or streams of water are discharged into the air, including splash pads, ornamental pools, display pools, and reflection pools. The definition does not include drinking water fountains or water coolers.
N Splash Pad. A fountain with a pool depth 25 mm (1 in.) or less, intended for recreational use by pedestrians. This definition does not include showers intended for hygienic rinsing prior to use of a pool, spa, or other water feature.