Which area is referred to as Zone 1 in NEC Article 680?

Zone 1 in NEC Article 680 refers to the area immediately adjacent to the pool, which is crucial for ensuring safety around swimming pools and similar installations. This zone is defined by the National Electrical Code to help regulate the installation of electrical equipment and devices, minimizing the risk of electric shock in locations where water is present.

The immediate adjacent area remains critical because it serves as a transition zone where electrical installations must be managed with particular care due to the proximity to water that could create a hazard. This includes restrictions on the types of electrical equipment that can be installed and the types of protective measures that need to be in place, such as the requirement for ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Understanding the layout of these zones—including Zone 1—allows for proper safety precautions to be taken, ensuring that both electrical systems and pool users are protected from potential electric shock and related hazards in environments where water and electricity may meet. Other choices do not accurately represent the specific requirements and characteristics defined by NEC for Zone 1, which focuses on the space that has the most interaction with water and requires the strictest adherence to safety standards.