680.26 Pool equipotential bonding
What changed in 680.26
Perimeter bonding depth now depends on paved or unpaved surfaces. A March 2023 interim amendment then rewrote the perimeter rules, adding welded wire options and limiting the copper ring to unpaved areas.
Point by point
- As printed, rings and grids go in or under paving within 6 inches of grade, or 4 to 6 inches deep in unpaved ground.
The full lesson is in the Pro Version
Get the whole breakdown
- 4 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2020 rule next to the 2023 rule, side by side
- Why it changed
- What to do and check on the job
One membership unlocks every NEC® change lesson for 2020, 2023 and 2026, plus every video, quiz, flashcard and the Testing Center.
Checking your membership…
This section across NEC® editions
2020 NEC®Revised
Rebuilt pool shells now fall under the bonding rules, a copper grid was added as a third deck bonding option, and small pool cover anchors set in concrete no longer need bonding.
Open the 2020 page →2023 NEC®RevisedYou're here
Perimeter bonding depth now depends on paved or unpaved surfaces. A March 2023 interim amendment then rewrote the perimeter rules, adding welded wire options and limiting the copper ring to unpaved areas.
2026 NEC®Revised
Perimeter bonding now reaches surfaces 3 feet below maximum water level, masonry pavers are named, 40 percent copper-clad steel is allowed, and a wire mesh listing date moved to 2029.
Open the 2026 page →More 2023 changes in Article 680
This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.
NEC® and National Electrical Code® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Electrical Exam Coach is not affiliated with or endorsed by NFPA.
Find it faster on test day