Article 555 and art. 682 questions

[Dennis Alwon]

I have been asked to ask these questions here by someone locally.

1- Does art. 555 apply to a single family boat dock or pier that is located on a public lake.
2- In art. 555.13 what is meant by navigable waters?
3- In art. 682.3 it requires that if the water is subject to boat traffic the wiring shall comply with art. 555.13; does this mean that just because a lake has boat traffic on it that all single family boat docks and piers must meet 555.13
4- It is my opinion that in 555.1 all single family boat docks or piers are exempted for all of 555 and that you now must meet art. 210.8(A)(3) and 210.8 C

 

[david]

2- In art. 555.13 what is meant by navigable waters?

from what i read waterways that local or federal/state authorities have jurisdiction. example water ways that the coast gaurd has authority over

 

[luckylerado]

I have been asked to ask these questions here by someone locally.

1- Does art. 555 apply to a single family boat dock or pier that is located on a public lake.

No. However the lake authority if there is one may have restrictions or requirements above and beyond NEC. Parts of my area have written and adopted 554 for residential docks

2- In art. 555.13 what is meant by navigable waters?

I think legally it means the federal gov has jurisdiction.

3- In art. 682.3 it requires that if the water is subject to boat traffic the wiring shall comply with art. 555.13; does this mean that just because a lake has boat traffic on it that all single family boat docks and piers must meet 555.13

Just (B). I cannot imagine this portion of 555.13 being much of a problem very often.

4- It is my opinion that in 555.1 all single family boat docks or piers are exempted for all of 555 and that you now must meet art. 210.8(A)(3) and 210.8 C

I agree. Unfortunate that there is not a section for residential docks but other than a few things like GFCI protection for lighting and bonding across hinged joints on a walkway, following the applicable wiring methods elsewhere in the book makes for a pretty safe installation. I think that at a minimum, the code should address those items,
GFI protection in line with 553 and 555 and also proper bonding of ladders and handrails similar to pools.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It has also been my experience that a residential boat dock seems to not really be covered in the NEC. Art. 555.1 makes it clear that it does not apply

Private, noncommercial docking facilities constructed
or occupied for the use of the owner or residents of the
associated single-family dwelling are not covered by this
article.

IMO, there seems to be a contradiction between 555 and 682 for residential. It can be looked at 2 ways. Art. 682 refers back to 555 but perhaps only if it is non residential. The other is that even residential must comply with 683.3-- I think the later would be my opinion

 

[Smart $]

It has also been my experience that a residential boat dock seems to not really be covered in the NEC. Art. 555.1 makes it clear that it does not apply



IMO, there seems to be a contradiction between 555 and 682 for residential. It can be looked at 2 ways. Art. 682 refers back to 555 but perhaps only if it is non residential. The other is that even residential must comply with 555.3-- I think the later would be my opinion

I think not for docks, piers associated with single-family dwellings.

555.1 Scope. This article covers the installation of wiring
and equipment in the areas comprising fixed or floating
piers, wharves, docks, and other areas in marinas, boatyards,
boat basins, boathouses, yacht clubs, boat condominiums,
docking facilities associated with residential condominiums,
any multiple docking facility, or similar occupancies, and facilities
that are used, or intended for use, for the purpose of
repair, berthing, launching, storage, or fueling of small craft
and the moorage of floating buildings.

Private, noncommercial docking facilities constructed
or occupied for the use of the owner or residents of the
associated single-family dwelling are not covered by this
article.

 

[luckylerado]

If a dock met the definition of "building" it would be covered by 553. IMO it does (or should be considered to) but I often feel out there by myself on that limb.


553.1 Scope
This article covers wiring, services, feeders, and grounding for
floating buildings.

553.2 Definition
Floating Building. A building unit, as defined in Article 100,
that floats on water, is moo red in a permanent location, and has a
premises wiring system served through connection by permanent
wiring to an electrical supply system not located on the premises.


Art. 100
Building. A structure that stands alone or that is cut off from
adjoining structures by fire walls with all openings therein protected
by approved fire doors.

 

[charlie b]

2- In art. 555.13 what is meant by navigable waters?

This is from a web site belonging to the US Army Corps of Engineers. They have jurisdiction over all inland navagable waters.

A water body qualifies as a “navigable water of the United States” if it meets any of the tests set forth in 33 C.F.R. Part 329 (e.g., the water body is (a) subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, and/or (b) the water body is presently used, or has been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use (with or without reasonable improvements) to transport interstate or foreign commerce).

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I appreciate everyone's input here and it is clear to me that this issue needs to be clarified in the NEC. I have heard arguments about this before but it does not appear clear to us.

I am glad you all responded about the navigable waters because I had no idea. I assumed if a boat can use it then it is navigable. Hopefully this will help Terry-- the fellow who asked me to post this.