Entire Document - California Department of Boating and Waterways ...
Entire Document - California Department of Boating and Waterways ...
Entire Document - California Department of Boating and Waterways ...
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consideration must be given to the pro <strong>and</strong> con effects <strong>of</strong> the proposed marinalayout, length <strong>of</strong> feeder lines, voltage drops, number <strong>of</strong> outlets per circuit, <strong>and</strong> theestimated power requirements <strong>of</strong> the types <strong>and</strong> sizes <strong>of</strong> boats that will occupy themarina. This is essential for both new <strong>and</strong> altered marina projects.......................................................................E5.7 GFCIs Not Recommended For Berth OutletsCommentary:Laboratory tests by various agencies <strong>and</strong>industries over the years have shown that 5milliamps (0.005 amp) is a safe <strong>and</strong>appropriate threshold for use in designingGFCIs to protect people. In a potentially wetenvironment around boats <strong>and</strong> boat docks,currents over 5 milliamps can cause injury ordeath to a person who is adequatelygrounded. Even small currents can cause aperson’s heart to stop, resulting in deathfrom electrocution or electrical shockdrowning if they are in the water. Therefore,GFCIs with tripping levels higher than 5 milliamps must not be used in a marinawith the thought <strong>of</strong> protecting people.However, the installation <strong>and</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> 5 milliamp GFCIs <strong>of</strong>ten results innuisance tripping, a common problem that usually leads to frustration for boaters,maintenance staff <strong>and</strong> marina management. It can be caused by moisture problemsin the devices themselves, “dirty boats” with sub-st<strong>and</strong>ard electrical systems, <strong>and</strong>electrolysis problems.The primary goal <strong>of</strong> a marina owner/operator is to make a pr<strong>of</strong>it. However, satisfiedberth renters is an important element in achieving that goal, <strong>and</strong> the installation <strong>of</strong>GFCIs that do not provide the results hoped for can lead to serious problemsbetween marina staff <strong>and</strong> clients that are difficult to overcome. The resolution <strong>of</strong>such problems is usually expensive for both sides <strong>and</strong> can take lots <strong>of</strong> time toresolve to mutual satisfaction.The presence <strong>of</strong> GFCIs in a marina can actually result in a false sense <strong>of</strong> securityfor not only the boat owners but for marina maintenance staff as well. There are farmore maintenance workers who are harmed by marina electrical systems thanboaters. The knowledge that a GFCI exists in a marina electrical outlet typicallycarries with it the assumption that it is working properly <strong>and</strong> will guard against bothharm to persons <strong>and</strong> damage to equipment. A false sense <strong>of</strong> security can bedangerous for all concerned.The installation <strong>of</strong> GFCIs carries with it the imperative necessity to test, calibrate,maintain, repair, <strong>and</strong>/or replace the devices on a regular basis. Such dem<strong>and</strong>s on amarina budget can become a low priority <strong>and</strong> the performance <strong>of</strong> these importantAppendix A -- Section E Commentary - Page 107