Marina Electrical Regulations & Standards
A nonprofit organization, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes codes and standards related to safety that are referred to by fire departments, industry, state and local government, insurance companies, and lawyers. The following will discuss the NFPA standards for marinas. For additional information, please visit: www.nfpa.org
NFPA 303 – Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards
First adopted by NFPA in 1940 on the recommendation of the Committee on Boat Basins and Municipal Marinas, the first fire protection standard on the subject of marinas and boatyards has been updated over the years for several editions.
Chapter 5 – Electrical Wiring and Equipment should be referenced by marina and boatyard owner and operators, and electrical services companies that offer their services to them should study the requirements herein.
NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (NEC)
The National Fire Protection Association has sponsored the National Electrical Code since 1911. The first Code was drafted in 1897 through the combined efforts of electrical, architectural, insurance, and allied interests. NEC is approved as an American National Standard.
NEC’s Article 555 – Marinas and Boatyards sets forth electrical requirements regarding these two subjects. Article 553 – Floating Buildings covers wiring, services, feeders, and grounding for floating buildings. Licensed electricians working in marinas and boatyards should familiarize themselves with the requirements of these two articles. Owners and managers of marinas should be able to discuss the specifics of these articles when discussing their services.
State Legislation
The entirety or portions of the NFPA 303 and NFPA 70 have been adopted as law by several states. A number of states recently adopted their own legislations for marinas and boatyards. These new laws reference both NFPA 303 and NFPA 70.
To purchase the NFPA standards and NEC visit:
http://marinaassociation.org/publications/other-resources
The above codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at the link below:
http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/list_of_codes_and_standards.asp
Electrical Peace of Mind
Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs, including:
- Commercial & Residential Electrical Installations
- Marina & Residential Pier Wiring
- Electrical Service & Repair
- Specialty Electrical Services
For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at 410-266-9040. They will be very glad to help you.