Cords that supply swimming pool equipment must have a copper equipment grounding conductor of which minimum AWG size?

The minimum size for a copper equipment grounding conductor supplying swimming pool equipment is indeed 12 AWG. This requirement is established to ensure proper grounding and safety for electrical equipment associated with pools, which can be subject to various environmental factors and potential fault conditions.

Using a 12 AWG copper conductor provides adequate conductivity and ensures that the conductor can handle potential fault currents effectively, minimizing the chance of overheating or failure in the grounding system. This is crucial in swimming pool settings where water and electrical components are in close proximity, presenting unique safety challenges.

Additionally, smaller gauge wires, such as 14 AWG or larger sizes, such as 10 AWG or 8 AWG, would not meet the safety and regulatory requirements laid out by the National Electrical Code (NEC) regarding grounding conductors for such installations. By adhering to the 12 AWG requirement, one helps ensure reliability and safety in the electrical systems used for swimming pool equipment.