Inspired by Michael’s story and others like it, my colleague, Joe Fello, and I submitted a public input for the 2011 NEC (National Electrical Code) seeking ground-fault protection for circuits feeding marinas. It was unfortunately easy to substantiate, as the number of children who die in and around marinas while swimming is well documented. After much debate, Article 555 - Marinas, Boatyards, and Commercial and Noncommercial Docking Facilities was amended to allow up to 100 milliamps (mA) on overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) supplying marina mains and feeder breakers. These changes spurred further research by the NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation, which found that boat manufacturing standards allow for up to 30mA of leakage current on each boat, inspiring the NEC to reduce the 100mA threshold to that level in the 2017 version of the NEC.
Doing more for safer marinas
Work on the 2020 version of the NEC is underway and leakage current is garnering a lot of attention. Many industry pros believe the 30mA leakage threshold isn’t practical in terms of a marina’s electrical infrastructure. The challenges are providing protection to a group of boats and the additive nature of leakage currents. A group of boats with inherent leakage currents on the same feeder could create a tripping scenario that leaves an entire marina without power. For instance, a boat emitting 29mA of leakage current is within the tolerances of boat manufacturing standards, but adding one more boat with even a small amount of leakage current shuts down the power.
More importantly, it only takes 4 to 6mA to stop a healthy human heart. Equipment level protection of 30mA — the amount of leakage current allowed for one boat per manufacturing standards — is not enough.
For the sake of safety, boat manufacturers and marina operators must collaborate to develop marina safety requirements in the NEC. NEC researchers must ask the right questions to understand the unique position of marinas and boat builders. How are boats currently built? Why is 30mA considered an acceptable standard leakage current value? Do older or newer boats emit more current? After gathering and studying new data, we may discover that boat standards or maintenance should change. Or, perhaps marinas will need to install more feeder circuits to serve a lesser number of boats.
We need to understand the challenges ahead. It is clear that something has to change, and we need to chart the course.
Diving deep into awareness and education
The industry is working through a new code cycle, and I’m sure more research will follow. This will take time, perhaps over multiple NEC code cycles. So, what can we all do to increase safety and avoid ESD danger in the meantime?
- Public and private marina staff should understand the importance of maintenance and only call on qualified electricians for repairs. Follow the guidance of NFPA 303, “Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards.”
- Design engineers can explore principles that permit 30mA protection no matter the number of boats at a pier, such as adding feeders to break up loads.
- Installers must understand the unique environment they are in when installing equipment at a marina. Training is critical.
- Boaters who make changes to their boat could seek certification from the American Boat & Yacht Council. Electrical work on a boat should be reviewed by professionals.
- Boaters should take safe boating courses to learn more about ESD and educate family, friends and marina-goers of its risks.
- Swimmers must accept the dangers and never swim in or around a marina or anywhere a boat is plugged into a receptacle, particularly at commercial marinas.
- Boat manufacturers can take a closer look at boat designs to understand leakage currents and if lowering the 30mA threshold to a lower value is possible.
Change is a team effort. We are all on the team. By working with the NEC, spreading the word and remaining vigilant in and around marinas, we can make marinas safer havens.
