Entire Document - California Department of Boating and Waterways ...

consideration must be given to the pro and con effects of the proposed marinalayout, length of feeder lines, voltage drops, number of outlets per circuit, and theestimated power requirements of the types and sizes of boats that will occupy themarina. This is essential for both new and altered marina projects.......................................................................E5.7 GFCIs Not Recommended For Berth OutletsCommentary:Laboratory tests by various agencies andindustries over the years have shown that 5milliamps (0.005 amp) is a safe andappropriate threshold for use in designingGFCIs to protect people. In a potentially wetenvironment around boats and 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 of protecting people.However, the installation and maintenance of 5 milliamp GFCIs often results innuisance tripping, a common problem that usually leads to frustration for boaters,maintenance staff and marina management. It can be caused by moisture problemsin the devices themselves, “dirty boats” with sub-standard electrical systems, andelectrolysis problems.The primary goal of a marina owner/operator is to make a profit. However, satisfiedberth renters is an important element in achieving that goal, and the installation ofGFCIs that do not provide the results hoped for can lead to serious problemsbetween marina staff and clients that are difficult to overcome. The resolution ofsuch problems is usually expensive for both sides and can take lots of time toresolve to mutual satisfaction.The presence of GFCIs in a marina can actually result in a false sense of 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 and will guard against bothharm to persons and damage to equipment. A false sense of security can bedangerous for all concerned.The installation of GFCIs carries with it the imperative necessity to test, calibrate,maintain, repair, and/or replace the devices on a regular basis. Such demands on amarina budget can become a low priority and the performance of these importantAppendix A -- Section E Commentary - Page 107