Master Electrician Practice Exam

When rigid PVC conduit is used for feeding a wet-niche luminaire in a swimming pool, what size insulated copper grounding conductor must be installed?

1. 6 AWG

2. 8 AWG

3. 10 AWG

4. 12 AWG

The correct answer is: 8 AWG

When dealing with a wet-niche luminaire in a swimming pool, it's essential to ensure the electrical installation complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. The NEC stipulates specific grounding conductor sizes based on the overall ampacity of the circuit feeding the luminaire. An 8 AWG insulated copper grounding conductor is suitable in this scenario because it provides adequate protection against electric shock and ensures a proper ground for the system. Grounding conductors must be sized correctly to safely carry any fault current and to help clear a fault condition effectively, reducing the risk of electrical shock or fire. Using an 8 AWG copper grounding conductor meets the NEC's requirements for this application, especially given the considerations of a wet environment like a swimming pool where increased safety is paramount. The size ensures that if a fault occurs, the grounding conductor can handle the fault current without sustaining damage, thereby maintaining the integrity of the electrical installation.