Does the NEC require GFCI protection for a hard wired spa with a light?

"Does the NEC require GFCI protection for a hardwired spa with a light?"

Is it fair to interpret this to mean the light is inside the spa...underwater luminare?

If so:

680 Part IV - Spas & Hot Tubs
680.42 - Outdoor Locations
"A spa hot tub installed outdoors shall comply with the provisions of Parts I & II..."

680.23(A)(3) (Part II) - "A GFCI shall be installed in the branch circuit supplying luminares..."

680.43 - Indoor Locations
680.43(B)(2) - Underwater Applications - "Underwater luminares shall comply with the provisions of 680.23 or 680.33."

Sounds like you need GFCI protection.

It is easier than that.


680.44 Protection.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the outlet(s) that supplies a self-contained spa or hot tub, a packaged spa or hot tub equipment assembly, or a field-assembled spa or hot tub shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

(A) Listed Units. If so marked, a listed self-contained unit or listed packaged equipment assembly that includes integral ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for all electrical parts within the unit or assembly (pumps, air blowers, heaters, lights, controls, sanitizer generators, wiring, and so forth) shall be permitted without additional GFCI protection.
(B) Other Units. A field assembled spa or hot tub rated 3 phase or rated over 250 volts or with a heater load of more than 50 amperes shall not require the supply to be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
(C) Combination Pool and Spa or Hot Tub. A combination pool/hot tub or spa assembly commonly bonded need not be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.