Let’s continue talking about the changes to Chapter 6 in the 2023 National Electrical Code. 

680.44 GFCI and SPGFCI Protection. Requirements for ground-fault protection have been consolidated in 680.5. As a result, the requirements for GFCI protection have become references to 680.5(B) or (C). The previous 680.44(B), “Other Units,” was deleted because of the newer generation of ground-fault technology.

The requirements for listed units with GFCI protection covered in 680.44(B) have minor revisions. This section recognizes that some installations may require SPGFCI, where the ground-fault protection is not to exceed 20 milliamperes (mA) of ground-fault trip current. GFCI protection for gas-fired water heaters for spas and hot tubs was added for consistency with the permanent pool requirements in 680.28.

680.54 Bonding. Section 680.54(B) was revised to require that a conductor used for bonding be a minimum 8 AWG solid copper conductor. Section 680.54(B)(6) was revised by replacing “devices and controls” with the more general term “equipment.” A new first-level subdivision 680.54(C) was added to require equipotential bonding of splash pads.

680.58 GFCI and SPGFCI Protection for Receptacles. The requirements for GFCI protection of adjacent receptacles located near fountains have been revised so they now require GFCI or SPGFCI protection receptacles rated 125V through 250V, 60A or less, single-phase and three-phase. This applies to receptacle outlets within 20 feet of the fountain edge.

680.59 Ground-Fault Protection for Nonsubmersible Pumps. The title was changed to “Ground-Fault Circuit-­Interrupter (GFCI), and Special Purpose Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (SPGFCI) Protection for Permanently Installed Nonsubmersible.” This is a requirement for outlet protection for permanently installed nonsubmersible pool pump motors, including permanently wired connections. GFCI protection for permanently installed nonsubmersible pumps is limited to circuits not exceeding 150V to ground. Motor circuits that exceed 150V to ground but do not exceed 480V phase-to-phase, single- or three-phase must be provided with SPGFCI protection with a trip level not exceeding 20 mA.

680.83 Equipotential Bonding. Equipotential bonding of pool lift equipment must use solid copper conductors not smaller than 8 AWG and may be covered, insulated or bare. Pool lifts are required for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Connection of bonded parts must comply with 250.8. Bonding jumpers in the pool area are not required to be connected to remote panelboards, service equipment or electrodes.

682.11 Location of Electrical Distribution Equipment. Section 682.11 previously applied only to the location of service equipment on land that served floating structures and submersible electrical equipment. It has been revised to apply to electrical distribution equipment on land, which now also includes feeder equipment.

682.12 Electrical Connections. This section was divided into two subsections: general requirements and replacement electrical connections. Conductor splices located above the water line but below the datum plane must be in junction boxes identified for wet locations, using sealed wire connector systems listed and identified for submersion. Replacement electrical connections located below the electrical datum plane and above the water line must be listed and identified for submersion.

Article 690 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. Article 690 was reorganized to improve its usability. The informational note figures that followed the scope were redrawn. Section 690.10 was deleted because standalone systems are covered by Article 710, and it is not necessary to point to that article. Equipment requirements that previously appeared in 690.12(D) for rapid shutdown and 690.51 for marking of modules were consolidated in 690.4(B). The title of Part VIII was deleted because it is unnecessary, as the topic of energy storage is covered by Article 706 and references to an entire article are not permitted by the NEC Style Manual.

690.4 General Requirements. There is a new definition of “electronic power converter” in Article 100 that includes inverters and DC-to-DC converters. Electronic power converters were added to the list of equipment in 690.4(B) to replace inverters and DC-to-DC converters. New requirements were also added for PV equipment floating on or attached to structures floating on bodies of water.

690.7 Maximum Voltage. This section was revised for clarity and to remove requirements for systems over 1,000V. The terminology “source and output” was deleted from 690.7(A) through (D) because it is unnecessary. The defined term “PV string circuit” was added to 690.7(B). The marking requirements for DC PV circuits were relocated to 690.7(D).

690.8 Circuit Sizing and Current. This section has been revised by updating terminology and clarifying that the DC-to-DC converter circuit maximum current is the sum of the parallel-connected DC-to-DC converter continuous output current ratings. An informational note was added that points out that some PV modules can produce electricity when exposed on multiple surfaces. Such modules are labeled with appropriate short-circuit current. Additional information is provided in the instructions for listed modules. Section 690.8(B) was revised to use proper terminology for ampacity. The minimum conductor size is required to be not less than the maximum current calculated in 690.8(A) multiplied by 125%.

690.9(D) Transformers. This section covers requirements for overcurrent protection for transformers used on the AC output side of inverters. The requirements for protection of power transformers for PV system installations have been changed from 450.3 to 705.30(C). The requirements in 705.30(F) are based on transformers supplied from multiple sources. It establishes that the primary side of transformers with sources on each side is the side connected to the largest source of available fault current. The secondary conductors must be protected in accordance with 240.21(C).

690.12 Exception Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings. A new exception was added to exempt nonenclosed detached structures, such as those that provide parking shade, carports, solar trellises and similar structures. The exception aligns with requirements for where firefighter rooftop access is needed in the building and fire codes.

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