Ground Fault protection for marinas

[mikesimpson5]

In reference to NEC 2011 555.3, ground fault protection of mains, feeders, branch circuits, is it the intention to protect the shore power or protect the wiring from the panel to the pedestals or whatever. Here is the situation: overhead service from utility to 200A main breaker panel, feeders underground to pedestals which are looped from one to another, breakers in the pedestals for a 20 amp receptacle and a 30 amp receptacle, no GFI protection in pedestal at this time. If branch circuit protection is only concern for safety, then would the 30A receptacles also need protection?

 

[mgookin]

In reference to NEC 2011 555.3, ground fault protection of mains, feeders, branch circuits, is it the intention to protect the shore power or protect the wiring from the panel to the pedestals or whatever. Here is the situation: overhead service from utility to 200A main breaker panel, feeders underground to pedestals which are looped from one to another, breakers in the pedestals for a 20 amp receptacle and a 30 amp receptacle, no GFI protection in pedestal at this time. If branch circuit protection is only concern for safety, then would the 30A receptacles also need protection?

I believe you need the GFCI breaker in the 200A panel to protect the entire circuit. Sure don't need dead kids or dead workmen under a dock. Let's let someone with a copy of the NEC cite some lingo...

 

[luckylerado]

In reference to NEC 2011 555.3, ground fault protection of mains, feeders, branch circuits, is it the intention to protect the shore power or protect the wiring from the panel to the pedestals or whatever. Here is the situation: overhead service from utility to 200A main breaker panel, feeders underground to pedestals which are looped from one to another, breakers in the pedestals for a 20 amp receptacle and a 30 amp receptacle, no GFI protection in pedestal at this time. If branch circuit protection is only concern for safety, then would the 30A receptacles also need protection?

The GFP required in 555.3 is required to be on the main OCP and protects the 30 amp shore power. The 20 amp will need a GFCI.

 

[jusme123]

 

[buzzbar]

In reference to NEC 2011 555.3, ground fault protection of mains, feeders, branch circuits, is it the intention to protect the shore power or protect the wiring from the panel to the pedestals or whatever. Here is the situation: overhead service from utility to 200A main breaker panel, feeders underground to pedestals which are looped from one to another, breakers in the pedestals for a 20 amp receptacle and a 30 amp receptacle, no GFI protection in pedestal at this time. If branch circuit protection is only concern for safety, then would the 30A receptacles also need protection?

You have a choice, you can GFI protect the main marina feeder, or you can install GFI breakers at each pedestal shore power circuit.

555.3 says: "Ground-fault protection of each individual branch or feeder circuit shall be permitted as a suitable alternative".

The key to the sentence is the word, "OR". Which means you have a choice.

 

[iwire]

You have a choice, you can GFI protect the main marina feeder, or you can install GFI breakers at each pedestal shore power circuit.

555.3 says: "Ground-fault protection of each individual branch or feeder circuit shall be permitted as a suitable alternative".

The key to the sentence is the word, "OR". Which means you have a choice.

You still have to protect the circuit not just the receptacle so the GFCI devices need to be at the origin of the branch circuit or feeder not the end of the circuit.