Compliance with Section 682.11

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mweaver

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Forum members,

I was hoping you could shed additional light for me on Section 682.11 and the means and methods to maintain compliance with this requirement. As written, this Article and its requirements, appear to be applicable to everything from a large floating restaurant (I have seen several, and even eaten at one…) to a small residential dock on a navigable river (and certainly much more…).

When I read Section 682.11 it appears this section makes no distinction as to whether this applies ONLY to a dedicated service for a floating structure, or if it would be all inclusive and would even apply to a residential service having a feeder (or even a branch circuit) to a floating structure (such as an electrified private dock). It states: “the service equipment for floating structures …”, and appears to be all inclusive to me… If this is all inclusive, this particular section has much broader application than I had originally thought upon my first exposure to this Article…

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether this includes any and all services supplying “floating structures and submersible electrical equipment” ??

My next question is how one would accomplish the last sentence in a truly effective manner which meets compliance, but eliminates most nuisance openings of the service. While not stated super crystal clear, it appears obvious to me that the required service disconnection should be automatic when the water level reaches the height of the established electrical datum plane. The service disconnect would have to be equipped with one of the following:

 A contactor (poor choice since it would be energized 24/7)
 A latched or normally closed contactor (seems like a better choice, but I am not sure such a thing is available)
 A shunt trip main circuit breaker (seems like probably the best choice from my limited experience)

My real question is the switching device necessary to activate the above. On a navigable waterway, I have seen, with my limited experience, considerable wave action which could cause some nuisance trips of the service when utilizing a typical float switch, especially when the water is elevated to a level which is close but still below the electrical datum plane.

What would be a suitable actuation device which could provide a signal to open the service, but still be relatively free of nuisance trips ??

… It seems to me, this actuation device would have to be installed on land in some manner to sense water level in relation to the established electrical datum plane… It should also be installed in some manner which would discourage tampering, since it potentially controls the service for a commercial operation. (I am not seeing an easy and effective way to accomplish the installation of such an actuation device at the water’s edge…)

I do appreciate any input you can provide on this to enhance my understanding,

mweaver
 
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Here is the scope of 682

682.1 Scope.
This article applies to the installation of electrical wiring for, and equipment in and adjacent to, natural or artificially made bodies of water not covered by other articles in this Code, such as but not limited to aeration ponds, fish farm ponds, storm retention basins, treatment ponds, irrigation (channels) facilities.
Click to expand...

But I think article 553 is what you want. Hope this helps

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 moored 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.
Click to expand...
 
Dennis,

Thanks, I agree, floating building should also be subject to Article 553. But said floating building could also be governed under Article 682, I believe.

I am specificially referring to Article 682 as it would apply to even a dock on a navigable waterway. I apologize if my initial statement was misleading...
 
Unless that building falls into the electrical datum plane I would think that art. 682 would not apply. I must say I have never dealt with this article so what do I know---:D. I just would not see a need for 553 if the building was subject to 682. Others will chime in and I got to go.
 
Dennis,

I see now what you are saying, and I believe the Scope of this article is quite misleading.

This Article very much applies to Natural bodies of water as well... Which includes those in the definition:

Natural Bodies of Water: Bodies of water such as lakes, streams, ponds, rivers, and other naturally occurring bodies of water, which may vary in depth throughout the year.

This Article is actually quite broad, in my opinion... It applies to floating buildings and boat docks on natural bodies of water...

mweaver
 
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For clarification, if only to myself... Article 682 , as noted in the scope will only apply if a structure or building is "not covered by other articles in this Code".

So, for floating buildings, no...

This Article would seem to apply to an electrified boat dock (which was actually my target) if said dock was not covered under Article 555. This would leave private boat docks, I believe to be governed under Article 682 ...

Again, any help on the original questions would be appreciated...

mweaver
 
mweaver said:
Forum members,

I was hoping you could shed additional light for me on Section 682.11 and the means and methods to maintain compliance with this requirement. As written, this Article and its requirements, appear to be applicable to everything from a large floating restaurant (I have seen several, and even eaten at one…) to a small residential dock on a navigable river (and certainly much more…).

When I read Section 682.11 it appears this section makes no distinction as to whether this applies ONLY to a dedicated service for a floating structure, or if it would be all inclusive and would even apply to a residential service having a feeder (or even a branch circuit) to a floating structure (such as an electrified private dock). It states: “the service equipment for floating structures …”, and appears to be all inclusive to me… If this is all inclusive, this particular section has much broader application than I had originally thought upon my first exposure to this Article…

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether this includes any and all services supplying “floating structures and submersible electrical equipment” ??

My next question is how one would accomplish the last sentence in a truly effective manner which meets compliance, but eliminates most nuisance openings of the service. While not stated super crystal clear, it appears obvious to me that the required service disconnection should be automatic when the water level reaches the height of the established electrical datum plane. The service disconnect would have to be equipped with one of the following:

 A contactor (poor choice since it would be energized 24/7)
 A latched or normally closed contactor (seems like a better choice, but I am not sure such a thing is available)
 A shunt trip main circuit breaker (seems like probably the best choice from my limited experience)

My real question is the switching device necessary to activate the above. On a navigable waterway, I have seen, with my limited experience, considerable wave action which could cause some nuisance trips of the service when utilizing a typical float switch, especially when the water is elevated to a level which is close but still below the electrical datum plane.

What would be a suitable actuation device which could provide a signal to open the service, but still be relatively free of nuisance trips ??

… It seems to me, this actuation device would have to be installed on land in some manner to sense water level in relation to the established electrical datum plane… It should also be installed in some manner which would discourage tampering, since it potentially controls the service for a commercial operation. (I am not seeing an easy and effective way to accomplish the installation of such an actuation device at the water’s edge…)

I do appreciate any input you can provide on this to enhance my understanding,

mweaver
Click to expand...

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether this includes any and all services supplying “floating structures and submersible electrical equipment” ??

Yes it does apply to all of the above. 682 has been egnored by many electricans as well as inspectors. It spcificly applys to residential docks and submersible pumps. 2' above the datum plane is a lot of distance and should not be concidered a nusince. The datum plane is 2' above highest high tide or 2' above hightest water line based opon seasonal flooding. At that point it is time to trun off the power before you have breakaway. They don't care how you turn it of just so it turns off.
 
Your floating restaurant is included as it is not addressed in 555. As for nuisance disconnect, a float switch mounted inside a partially submerged 2 " PVC pipe comes to mind. Think of a float switch inside a water softener surrounded by salt. It would not be affected by wave action.
 
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