Looking for a set back of the condensing unit to the pool.

[Marc M]

I measured 3 feet from the pools edge.
Also, I thought i remembered that remote panels or shutoffs (such as the one for the A/C) had to maintain a minimum of 10' from the waters edge, is this correct?

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Hi Marc,

No "setback" per se, however, the following conditions would need to be addressed:

From the 2008 NEC. (underlining and bold are mine)
- If there is underground wiring to that a/c condenser unit:
- - 680.10 Underground Wiring Location.
- - - Underground wiring shall not be permitted under the pool or within the area extending 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontally from the inside wall of the pool unless this wiring is necessary to supply pool equipment permitted by this article. Where space limitations prevent wiring from being routed a distance 1.5 m (5 ft) or more from the pool, such wiring shall be permitted where installed in complete raceway systems of rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or a nonmetallic raceway system. All metal conduit shall be corrosion resistant and suitable for the location. The minimum cover depth shall be as given in Table 680.10.

- Regardless of whether or not there is underground wiring to the a/c condenser unit, the condenser unit itself is required to be bonded to the pool bonding system as it is within 5 feet horizontally of the inside of the pool.
- - 680.26 Equipotential Bonding.
- - - (B) Bonded Parts. The parts specified in 680.26(B)(1) through (B)(7) shall be bonded together using solid copper conductors, insulated covered, or bare, not smaller than 8 AWG or with rigid metal conduit of brass or other identified corrosion-resistant metal. Connections to bonded parts shall be made in accordance with 250.8. An 8 AWG or larger solid copper bonding conductor provided to reduce voltage gradients in the pool area shall not be required to be extended or attached to remote panelboards, service equipment, or electrodes.
- - - - (6) Electrical Equipment. Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the pool water circulating system, including pump motors and metal parts of equipment associated with pool covers, including electric motors, shall be bonded. (Jerry's note: This applies if the condenser unit is a heat pump for the pool.)
- - - - - Exception: Metal parts of listed equipment incorporating an approved system of double insulation shall not be bonded.
- - - - - - (a) Double-Insulated Water Pump Motors. Where a double-insulated water pump motor is installed under the provisions of this rule, a solid 8 AWG copper conductor of sufficient length to make a bonding connection to a replacement motor shall be extended from the bonding grid to an accessible point in the vicinity of the pool pump motor. Where there is no connection between the swimming pool bonding grid and the equipment grounding system for the premises, this bonding conductor shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor of the motor circuit.
- - - - - - (b) Pool Water Heaters. For pool water heaters rated at more than 50 amperes and having specific instructions regarding bonding and grounding, only those parts designated to be bonded shall be bonded and only those parts designated to be grounded shall be grounded.
- - - - (7) Metal Wiring Methods and Equipment. Metal-sheathed cables and raceways, metal piping, and all fixed metal parts shall be bonded. (Jerry's note: This applies whether or not the condenser unit is a heat pump for the pool.)
- - - - - Exception No. 1: Those separated from the pool by a permanent barrier shall not be required to be bonded.
- - - - - Exception No. 2: Those greater than 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontally of the inside walls of the pool shall not be required to be bonded. (Jerry's note: That is within 5 feet horizontally of the pool and thus is not excepted out.)
- - - - - Exception No. 3: Those greater than 3.7 m (12 ft) measured vertically above the maximum water level of the pool, or as measured vertically above any observation stands, towers, or platforms, or any diving structures, shall not be required to be bonded.