Journeyman Electrician Practice Exam

When grounding the structural reinforcing steel of a swimming pool, what is the smallest size grounding conductor permitted?

1. 6 AWG

2. 8 AWG

3. 10 AWG

4. 12 AWG

The correct answer is: 8 AWG

When grounding the structural reinforcing steel of a swimming pool, the National Electrical Code (NEC) outlines specific requirements for grounding conductors to ensure safety and reduce the risk of electric shock. The smallest size grounding conductor permitted for this application is 8 AWG copper or its equivalent in aluminum. This requirement is based on the need for the grounding conductor to be sufficiently sized to handle potential fault currents and to provide a low-resistance path to ground. An 8 AWG conductor can adequately carry the necessary fault current, while ensuring effective grounding of the pool's reinforcing steel. This enhances the safety of the installation by minimizing the risk of electric shock to individuals who may come into contact with the pool structure. Larger conductors such as 6 AWG may be used for enhanced protection in some specific high-risk installations, but they are not required as a minimum. Conductors smaller than 8 AWG may not provide sufficient grounding capability, which is why they would not meet the requirements set forth in the code for this type of installation.