Fire Protection Research Foundation report: "Assessment of Hazardous Voltage/Current in Marinas, Boatyards and Floating Buildings" (PDF, 546 KB)
Authors: John Adey, ABYC Foundation Inc. and Bill Daley, P.E. and Ryan Kelly, CED Technologies, Inc.
Date of issue: November 2014
Foreword
The safety of electrical equipment installed and used in the vicinity of marinas, boatyards and floating buildings is a challenge. This typically requires designing, installing, operating and maintaining electrical equipment that balances inherently safe levels of equipment operation against nuisance interruptions of the applicable electrical infrastructure.
This electrical equipment is typically subjected to harsh environmental conditions that can result in deterioration and other long term maintenance concerns. Reports in the mainstream media of drowning in the vicinity of marinas, boatyards and floating buildings has raised question on possible shock hazards from nearby electrical equipment, and thus credible data is needed that clarifies the problem and provides guidance towards the most appropriate mitigation measures.
The goal of this project is to identify and summarize available information that clarifies the problem of hazardous voltage/current in marinas, boatyards and floating buildings, and to develop a mitigation strategy to address identified hazards.