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⚡ Code Corner:🔸 NEC 680.26(B) – Bonding of Pool Components

Sharpen your knowledge with a quick dive into the NEC.

Author

Chris Martinez
June 06, 2025

📘 What NEC NEC 680.26(B) says:

What it says:
All metal parts of the pool structure, including the reinforcing steel and any metallic components like ladders, diving boards, or light fixtures, must be bonded together using a #8 solid copper conductor (or larger). This is to equalize potential and reduce the risk of electric shock.

Why it matters:
Even small voltage differences around a pool can be dangerous. Bonding keeps everything at the same electrical potential—a critical safety measure in wet environments.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t confuse bonding with grounding. Bonding connects metal parts together, while grounding connects to the earth.

❓ Quick Code Quiz: Chapter 6: Pools & Bonding

Choose the correct answer:

❓ Question:
According to NEC 680.26, what is the minimum size conductor required to bond metallic parts around a swimming pool?

A) #10 AWG
B) #8 AWG solid copper
C) #6 AWG stranded copper
D) #12 AWG THHN

Answer below 👇

🧠 Think it through – this conductor isn’t for carrying fault current, but to equalize voltage potential across all metal parts in and around the pool.

✅ Answer: B) #8 AWG solid copper

📘 Reference:
NEC 2023 – Article 680.26(B) – Bonding (Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations)

“The parts specified in 680.26(B)(1) through (B)(7) shall be bonded together using a solid copper conductor, insulated, covered, or bare, not smaller than 8 AWG.”