Which electrical safety device is required for lighting fixtures near pools?

The requirement for a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in lighting fixtures near pools stems from its critical role in preventing electrical shock. GFCIs are designed to detect imbalances in electrical current and shut off the circuit when such an imbalance occurs, which can happen if a person becomes part of the electrical circuit, particularly in wet environments like pools.

Since water is a good conductor of electricity, the risk of electrocution increases significantly near pools. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates using GFCIs for outlets and fixtures in wet or damp locations as a safety measure. By installing GFCIs in lighting fixtures close to water features, the risk of serious injury or fatality due to electrical shock is significantly minimized, ensuring a safer environment for pool users.

Other devices listed, such as surge protectors, transformers, and fuses, serve different purposes related to electrical maintenance and safety but do not address the specific hazard presented by ground faults in the immediate vicinity of water. Surge protectors help manage over-voltage conditions, transformers adjust voltage levels for specific uses, and fuses protect circuits from overcurrent but do not actively prevent electrical shock in wet conditions like GFCIs do. Thus, the requirement for GFCIs near