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#220811 05/20/20 08:15 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
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BigB Offline OP
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We don't do any pool wiring so I haven't paid a whole lot of attention to the code changes, I was aware of the GFCI requirement some time back for the pump etc but I'm a bit confused by this statement in Mike Holt's latest newsletter

the wiring, including the equipment grounding for all 120V pool lights, needs to be disconnected at the panel or the light needs to be low voltage without an equipment grounding conductor


Are line voltage pool lights now forbidden, even existing ones?

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BigB #220812 05/20/20 09:02 PM
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I think we need a little more context. I looked through 2020 art 680 and I don't see what he is talking about. It looks pretty much the same to me since they required GFCI for all single phase pumps. (a cycle or 2 ago)


Greg Fretwell
BigB #220813 05/20/20 09:29 PM
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I couldn't find anything either. Maybe he is talking about Florida, I think they have a ban on line voltage pool lights. This is all I got,

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BigB #220814 05/20/20 11:02 PM
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I did some digging.

I found out a couple of east coast counties in Florida did this (no line voltage lights) as a county ordinance but I question the legality since the state mandates the electrical code. It does not show up in the state code. The purpose of the "Unified Building Code" was that local AHJs could not make up their own rules but I guess that concept went away. Since I retired I am not on top of this as much as before.
The ordinance only applies to replacement lights. If the existing is working and you are not replacing it, they are not sending a SWAT team over to disconnect the wires wink

The ironic thing is the incident that prompted the ordinance involved a low voltage light.


Greg Fretwell
BigB #220815 05/21/20 12:50 PM
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I read the above statement and honestly, it makes no sense as it is written.

I did a quick look at the info MH has on his site for Art 680 (2017) and I see a lot of pool lighting, but I don't have the time to read it all now in my office. (I do have work to do)

I'll try to read it thru over the upcoming long weekend.

Everyone stay safe and healthy and enjoy (the best you can) Memorial Day!!


John
BigB #220816 05/21/20 02:03 PM
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In my digging I did find a reference to disconnecting 120v lights and an exception to the code that requires proper lighting if the old light was 120v but this is in the county ordinance, not the State Electrical/Building code.
Miami is even offering a "bargain price", $65, for a permit to remove a 120v light and replace it with a 12v light.


Greg Fretwell
BigB #220823 06/01/20 07:41 PM
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Mike Holt re-posted the links to recent newsletters today and he saw my comment and fixed the article, said it was a mistake https://www.mikeholt.com/newsletters.php?action=display&letterID=2173

BigB #220825 06/02/20 11:53 AM
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It is interesting that he picked up a Miami Dade ordinance in Leesburg. That is a couple hundred miles away. Maybe he heard that they are trying to get the low voltage only rule into the Unified Florida Building Code but I have not heard that it happened. I do understand the dangers when these things are not on a GFCI but I think it should be pointed out that it was a low voltage light fault that brought up this ordinance. I suspect this was in someone's desk drawer waiting for a body and they pulled the trigger before they actually had the details.


Greg Fretwell
BigB #220977 09/18/20 05:26 PM
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The NEC should prohibit the use of 120v pool lights, use low voltage instead.


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