555.13(B)(4)(b) requires an approved junction box with permanently installed terminal blocks be installed on each pier section to which the feeder and feeder extensions are to be connected. It also states that a listed marine power outlet employing terminal blocks/bars shall be permitted in lieu of a junction box.
The New Hanover county electrical authorities have interpreted this section to require a junction box with terminal blocks be installed on the land side of the gangway leading down to a floating dock. They have allowed a panel on the floating dock to meet the requirement if it is close enough to the bottom of the gangway (the distance from the bottom of the gangway to the panel has not been quantified).
It appears to me that the junction box requirements are only for pier sections where the feeder is connected, and that requirement does not apply to the top of the gangway if the gangway is attached to a land side decked area because it is not a pier section.
If a junction box near the top of the gangway is used to change wiring methods, terminal blocks are not required because 555.13(B)(4)(b) does not apply to this area which is not a pier section.
In short, if listed marine power outlets are used on the floating docks, a junction box with terminal blocks is not required by 555.13(B)(4)(b) for any part of the installation. A junction box may be needed to change wiring methods, but it is not a requirement of 555.13(B)(4)(b) and therefore will not require terminal blocks.
I am asking for written guidance from the NC DOI as to whether I am understanding 555.13(B)(4)(b) correctly in that a junction box at the top of the gangway is not required by this section and if one is used, it will not require terminal blocks.
