All fixed metal parts no greater than how many feet horizontally from the inside walls of the pool must be bonded?

Bonding of fixed metal parts in the vicinity of swimming pools is crucial for safety and is outlined in NEC Article 680. The requirement specifies that any fixed metal parts located within a horizontal distance of 5 feet from the inside walls of the pool must be bonded. This bonding helps to ensure that these metal parts are at the same electrical potential as the pool water, reducing the risk of electric shock should a fault condition occur.

By bonding these metal parts, any stray voltage or electrical current is safely directed to the ground rather than through a person who might be in contact with both the pool water and the metal parts. This requirement applies to a range of objects, including lighting fixtures, fences, and metal handrails situated close to the pool.

Understanding this requirement is critical for anybody involved in the installation or maintenance of electrical systems around pools, as it directly contributes to ensuring user safety.