He said all in ground pool pumps need to be installed with a twist lock plug and cannot be hardwired. Said that this is the equipment disconnect. I said, I thought the breaker panel counts as the disconnect. He said "no." This can't be right, can it? Every setup I have ever seen uses liquid tight with hardwired connection. Even the installation manual on the pump says this.
Spoke to an electrician... is this right?
- Thread starter jamjam
- Start date
agjr85
Well-known member
I'll have to double check my recent install, but looks like the pump is direct to the sub panel and I can kill it from there.
spd500
Well-known member
It will depend on local code. In our area you need what they call a line of sight disconnect. It can be the breaker, a plug, or and actual disconnect, but you have to be able to disconnect the power within sight of the equipment
Here's what the code says.
It says nothing about it having to have a twist lock plug. However, if an inground pool pump does have a plug and cord, it has to be a twist-lock.
It says nothing about it having to have a twist lock plug. However, if an inground pool pump does have a plug and cord, it has to be a twist-lock.
I think that is actually nationwide as part of the NEC.
But, your point is good - while there is a "National" Electric Code, jurisdictions are free to adopt any version or even only parts of it.
@jamjam
In most areas, pumps for anything other than a temporary/seasonal pool are hard wired.
There are multiple NEC's. You need to know what version, usually denoted by a year and if there are any modifications.
"All electrical work must comply with Article 680 of the National Electric Code, and an Electrical Inspection Certificate must be submitted prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Completion."
Just because that is what they say does not mean it is a complete answer. The NEC is amended every two years and jurisdictions do not all automatically adopt the latest version published. 2020 was the latest version, but I doubt many have adopted it.
Article 680 is one of the parts of the code that has changed greatly thru the years, although the last few not so much.
But, as Dave said - it's not required to have a twist lock, however, if an inground pool pump does have a plug and cord, it has to be a twist-lock.
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BearmanNH
Bronze Supporter
2017 National Electric Code article 680.21 (Motors for permanently installed pools) allows for hard wiring utilizing Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC) or Liquidtight Felxible Non-metallic Conduit (LFNC).
680.21 Also allows for cord and plug connections not to exceed 3' as long it has a full size grounding conductor.
If hardwired the pump will need a readily accessible disconnect within sight of the pump (NEC 680.13).
I am a licensed master electrician in NH and the NEC would apply unless towns have adopted there own codes which is unlikely.
680.21 Also allows for cord and plug connections not to exceed 3' as long it has a full size grounding conductor.
If hardwired the pump will need a readily accessible disconnect within sight of the pump (NEC 680.13).
I am a licensed master electrician in NH and the NEC would apply unless towns have adopted there own codes which is unlikely.
the breaker is 2 feet from the equipment, and 20 ft from the pool in line of sight- I am assuming this will be good to go with hardwired connections.
Yes, I can't see why it would fail. It sounds exactly like mine - breaker and timer right next to the pump.
BearmanNH
Bronze Supporter
Yes. The breaker can act as the disconnecting means if readily accessible and within sight of the pump so yes, you would be good.