The information below includes specific guidelines for fixtures and transformers installed near pools, spas, and fountains. Follow all NEC guidelines and local electrical codes.
Transformer
These cord-connected units consist of 1) step-down, isolated, two-winding-type transformers, with 2) circuit breakers and 3) associated circuitry intended to supply power to low-voltage and submersible fountain lighting fixtures operating at less than 15 V.
| Distance from Pool Edge | Allowed Fixtures | GFCI Required? | UL 379 Transformer Required? | NEC Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Within 5 Feet | Low-voltage (<15V) fixtures | No | Yes | NEC 680.22(B) (6) |
| 5-6 Feet | Low-voltage (<15V) & line-voltage fixtures | Yes | No | NEC 680.22(B) (4) |
| 6-10 Feet | Low-voltage (<30 V) & line-voltage fixtures | Line-voltage only | No | NEC 680.22(B) (4) |
| 10+ Feet | No restrictions on fixture type or voltage | No | No | NEC 680.22(A) (2) |
These transformers are compliant and certified as UL-379 for Pool & Spa:
| Transformer | UL-379 compliant? |
|---|---|
| LUXOR | Yes |
| DX | Yes |
| PX | Yes |
| EX | Yes |
Summary
- UL 379-listed transformers are only required for fixtures within 5 feet of the pool.
- GFCI protection is required for fixtures from 5 to 10 feet if they are line-voltage (120V).
- Beyond 10 feet, normal landscape lighting rules apply with no special NEC restrictions.
Fixture(s)
| Fixture Type | input Voltage | Grounding Required? | Bonding Required? | GFCI Required? | NEC Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal, Wired (Line-voltage, 120V) | 120V | Yes | Yes | Yes | NEC 680.6, NEC 680.22(A)(5) |
| Metal, Wired (Low-voltage, <15, UL 379) | <15V | No | No | No | NEC 680.22(B) (4) |
| Non-Wired, Large Metal object (4"+, Permanently Installed) | N/A | No | Yes | No | NEC 680.26(B) (7) |
| Small Metal Fixture (<4", Not Permanently Installed) | N/A | No | No | No | NEC 680.26(B) |
| Plastic/Non-Metallic Fixture | Any | No | No | No | NEC 680.26(B) |
Summary
- Low-voltage (<15V) fixtures powered by a UL 379 transformer do NOT require grounding or bonding.
- Line-voltage (120V) fixtures must be grounded and GFCI-protected.
- Large metal objects (4 inches or more in size) within 5 feet of the pool must be bonded to the equipotential grid.
- Plastic or small, uninstalled metal fixtures do not need bonding or grounding.
- The Evo Collection counts as “Plastic/No-Metallic Fixture," therefore does not require any bonding/grounding.
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